UN Human Rights Chief Calls for Urgent Action to Prevent Atrocities in Sudan

GENEVA, July 3, 2026 - United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to prevent further atrocities in Sudan, warning that the besieged city of El Obeid faces a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crisis. Addressing an urgent session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, Türk said the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, had reached a critical stage after months of escalating violence and siege-like conditions. He called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians and prevent large-scale violations of international humanitarian law. The High Commissioner also renewed calls for greater restraint in the use of the Security Council's veto during situations involving genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other mass atrocities, arguing that international mechanisms should be better equipped to respond to such crises. Türk warned that continued fighting around El Obeid has placed hundreds of thousands of civilians at increasing risk. He noted that repeated drone strikes and other attacks have caused civilian casualties while damaging essential infrastructure and disrupting access to basic services. According to the UN, dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in drone attacks recorded throughout June, although the actual number of casualties is believed to be significantly higher. The continued violence has heightened fears of a broader humanitarian catastrophe if hostilities intensify further. The High Commissioner also called for stronger international efforts to curb the flow of weapons into Sudan, urging an expansion of the existing arms embargo beyond Darfur to cover the entire country. Humanitarian conditions in El Obeid continue to worsen as shortages of clean water, fuel, food, and medical supplies become more severe. Damage to water networks, markets, schools, fuel stations, and transportation infrastructure has further limited access to essential services, while communication disruptions have complicated relief efforts. With the rainy season underway, aid agencies have also warned of an increased risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, as overcrowded communities and displaced populations face deteriorating sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water. Türk called for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow the delivery of life-saving assistance and to reduce the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.