This follows reports that at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 injured by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia between October 5 and 8 alone.
Preliminary information from the area – the last government-controlled town in northern Darfur – suggests the number may be even higher, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) added.
‘Endless and meaningless contempt’
“I am appalled by the RSF’s endless and wanton disregard for civilian life,” Türk said.
The militia has been fighting its former military government allies for control of Sudan since April 2023.
The UN human rights chief said that “Despite repeated calls, including my own, for specific measures to protect civilians, they instead continue to kill, wound and displace civilians and attack civilian objects.including internally displaced shelters, hospitals and mosques, in complete disregard of international law. “This must end.”
At least 46 civilians were killed in artillery and drone strikes in the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods, and in the Abu Shouk IDP camp, OHCHR reported.
This includes at least 14 civilians who were killed during the October 5 and 7 attacks on the Saudi Hospital, the last major functioning health care facility in North Darfur.
The hospital, which has been repeatedly attacked, was already operating at reduced capacity, before suffering further substantial damage in these latest attacks.
Summary executions
At least seven other civilians were reportedly summarily executed in house-to-house searches during RSF ground attacks, OHCHR reported.
“Initial information indicates that these killings may have been ethnically motivated and targeted members of the Zaghawa community,” the UN office said.
“I urge RSF – indeed all parties to the conflict – to learn lessons from this week’s conviction of Ali Kushayb by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the war crimes and crimes against humanity he committed in Darfur,” Türk said.
Former commander Janjaweed was found guilty of war crimes on 27 counts earlier this week in The Hague. The RSF reportedly emerged from the Janjaweed militias and their leadership beginning in 2013.
The High Commissioner also reiterated his call for UN Member States with direct influence to take urgent measures to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in El Fasher and throughout Darfur.