New York, December 02, 2025
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and the forced displacement of millions. Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated populations, notably following the RSF’s capture of El Fasher in North Darfur.
Atrocities in El Fasher and Broader Conflict Zones
Following a prolonged siege exceeding 500 days, RSF forces seized control of El Fasher in late October 2025. Reports detail mass executions, including the killing of over 460 hospital patients and medical staff during an assault on a maternity hospital. Civilians have faced deliberate targeting through indiscriminate bombing campaigns and drone strikes that have resulted in numerous deaths, including children. The RSF’s advance involved brutal tactics such as driving vehicles over injured and fleeing civilians, intensifying terror during escape attempts.
Human Rights Violations and Systematic Sexual Violence
The conflict is marked by grave human rights abuses, including summary executions and house-to-house shootings. Sexual violence is systematically employed as a weapon of war, disproportionately impacting women and girls amid forced displacements and in areas where no safe refuge remains. These violations contribute to a climate of fear and suffering that compounds the humanitarian emergency.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
The war has forced over 12 million people to flee their homes since hostilities began in 2023, making it one of the largest displacement crises globally. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, and basic services have collapsed, leaving millions trapped in besieged cities with limited access to aid or protection. The destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and maternity wards, has critically undermined healthcare availability in conflict-affected regions.
International Response and Ongoing Challenges
Despite international attention, effective intervention to halt the violence and atrocities remains elusive. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of persistent clashes between the SAF and RSF, with efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance severely hindered by insecurity and logistical constraints. The conflict’s scale and brutality highlight the urgent need for sustained global engagement to alleviate suffering and pursue ceasefire agreements.
The continuing violence in Sudan underscores the profound dangers faced by civilians caught in the crossfire. As millions remain displaced and vulnerable, the crisis demands heightened awareness and coordinated action to address the urgent protection and humanitarian needs in the region.