The number of civilian casualties in Sudan’s war doubled in 2025 from the previous year, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported, warning of thousands of missing or unidentified people.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reported that the number of civilian casualties in the Sudanese war doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, and warned of thousands of missing or unidentified people. Türk described the conflict as “brutal, bloody, and senseless” and emphasized the warring parties’ rejection of any humanitarian truce.

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Since the start of the war in April 2023, the conflict in Sudan has left tens of thousands dead and nearly 11 million displaced, according to data presented by the international body. The humanitarian crisis is worsening due to difficulties in accessing affected populations.

Regarding systematic violations, the official denounced atrocities including summary executions and arbitrary detentions. Over the past year, more than 500 victims of sexual violence have been documented, in addition to the use of the corpses of women and girls as weapons to sow terror.

Türk warned of the increasing use of advanced long-range drones and explosive weapons in densely populated areas without warning. Since January, nearly 600 civilians have been killed or injured in South Kordofan and other areas, with attacks also reported against humanitarian convoys. The senior official also criticized the increasing militarization of society and the recruitment of children and young people.

Humanitarian Access and Diplomatic Pressure

Regarding humanitarian access, a UN plane landed in Khartoum for the first time since the start of the war, a step that humanitarian coordinator Denise Brown described as “very important” to facilitate aid to millions of people. This development represents a significant step forward for aid distribution amid the operational blockade.

Volker Türk urged diplomatic and political pressure to impose a humanitarian truce that would allow progress toward a permanent ceasefire in Sudan. Meanwhile, the army commander, Abdel-Fattah Al Burhan, reiterated his commitment to continue fighting and presented a plan to build a “smart army” based on research and technology, further complicating the situation for human rights and civil protection.

Crisis Deepened and Interference

Sudan is experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with more than 21 million people facing acute food insecurity.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has intensified its operations to curb confirmed famine in areas such as El Fasher and Kadugli. However, aid efforts are hampered by persistent violence that prevents access to the most vulnerable communities.

Behind the tragedy of famine lies a conflict fueled by U.S. support for insurgent groups and separatist factions in the region. This destabilization strategy fragmented territorial control, facilitating the chaos that now prevents the regular distribution of basic supplies. Foreign interference not only prolonged the fighting but also destroyed the productive infrastructure that underpinned the food sovereignty of the Sudanese people.

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