UN Rights Chief Urges Global Action as Sudan Conflict Enters Third Year
Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Athi Venkatesh
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has condemned both the international community and Sudan’s warring factions for failing to act, as the civil conflict enters its third year.
“This brutal and senseless war must end,” Türk stated on Friday. He called on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to lay down their weapons. He also urged global leaders to take decisive steps toward peace.
Türk highlighted serious human rights violations. He pointed to retaliatory attacks, summary killings, sexual violence, and widespread mistreatment. He said these acts target civilians suspected of siding with either SAF or RSF.
He also criticized arms suppliers and reminded them to follow international obligations. He stressed the need to enforce the UN Security Council’s arms embargo, which was extended in 2024.
Türk said Sudan’s war economy plays a major role in fueling the conflict. Competing interests over gold, oil, livestock, gum arabic, sesame, and other resources continue to drive the violence. He accused both local and international actors of exploiting these commodities to protect their own economic interests.
In 2024, Sudan earned $1.5 billion from gold exports. The country produced 72.5 tonnes of gold in 2023, with China listed as a major buyer. Türk called gold a key factor in prolonging the war.
Amnesty International has also raised concerns over worsening violence. It pointed to increasing abuses by both internal and external forces.
UNICEF warned that nearly 825,000 children remain trapped in Sudan’s deepening crisis. Over 70 children were killed or injured in just the first three months of 2025.
Türk warned that Sudan stands at a critical moment. He urged immediate global action. “We are at an inflection point,” he said. “And it doesn’t look good.”
