On April 15, 2025, Sudan marked a devastating milestone — two full years since the outbreak of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Today, the Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) issues this urgent statement to highlight the escalating humanitarian catastrophe and demand immediate international action.
The violence, which began as a power struggle, has become a systematic war against civilians. With over 20,000 killed, 13 million displaced, and 25 million in need of humanitarian assistance, Sudan is now home to the largest internal displacement crisis in the world.
DNHR’s latest documentation reveals a staggering increase in atrocities in recent weeks alone showing a conflict that is not winding down but accelerating with devastating impact.
Escalating Violence and Mass Atrocities
In North Darfur, RSF forces have been laying siege to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and surrounding towns. Entire communities have been cut off from humanitarian aid, and civilians have been systematically targeted with gunfire, shelling, and arson. DNHR has documented widespread killings of women, children, and aid workers. Homes, schools, and makeshift clinics have been destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter or care.
Meanwhile, in and around Omdurman, RSF-led raids on villages have led to significant loss of life, with residents fleeing under the threat of executions, torture, and looting. Survivors report armed fighters storming homes, destroying water sources, and burning farmland, deepening the hunger crisis and forcing mass displacement.
In Khartoum, SAF continues to conduct heavy aerial bombardments in areas densely populated by civilians. Markets, residential neighbourhoods, and public infrastructure have been repeatedly struck with little regard for civilian presence. The destruction of commercial and transport hubs, including the headquarters of national institutions and critical services, has severely disrupted access to food, healthcare, and necessities.
A Systematic Assault on Civilian Life
The use of starvation as a weapon of war, sexual violence, forced displacement, and the razing of civilian areas is systematic. Camps for displaced persons, once considered sanctuaries, are now at the heart of this violence. Local aid networks and grassroots responders are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and often directly targeted themselves.
The situation is particularly dire for women and girls, who face alarming levels of gender-based violence and exploitation. Reports of sexual violence by armed actors remain disturbingly high and continue with impunity.
Global Response: Far Too Little, Far Too Late
Despite overwhelming evidence of atrocity crimes, international action has been limited, fragmented, and largely reactive.
We echo calls made by Amnesty International and other leading organizations for:
- A nationwide UN arms embargo
- An independent international mechanism to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Targeted sanctions on military and political leaders responsible for mass atrocities
The RSF’s announcement on April 15 of a rival government in parts of Sudan, including Darfur, threatens to further fracture the country, deepen the conflict, and destabilize the wider region.
DNHR’s Call to Action
We urge the international community including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and key member states to:
- Publicly condemn atrocities committed by both SAF and RSF
- Drastically scale up humanitarian funding and access
- Support local organizations working to protect civilians and document violations
- Prioritize Sudan in international diplomacy before it becomes a forgotten conflict
This war is entering its third year with no signs of resolution and no meaningful accountability. The people of Sudan are being abandoned not just by their leaders, but by the world.
DNHR stands with every survivor, every displaced family, and every community under fire. We will continue to document, advocate, and speak out until justice is done and peace is possible.
