The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have strongly condemned escalating violence in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of widespread attacks on civilians and aid workers.

In a joint statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other agencies said they were “horrified” by credible reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and house-to-house raids. They warned that local aid responders — many of whom have been sustaining communities through 18 months of siege — face extreme danger, with some detained or killed.

According to the UN Human Rights Office, about 1,850 civilians have been killed in North Darfur since January, including at least 1,350 in El Fasher alone. However, the UN said these figures likely underrepresent the true toll due to communication disruptions and limited access.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) continues to provide shelter, basic necessities, and counseling to displaced families but said humanitarian access to El Fasher remains blocked. “Humanitarian capacity is rapidly shrinking as needs soar,” UNHCR warned.

OCHA called for urgent international action to protect civilians, ensure safe passage for those fleeing, and guarantee accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. It also urged increased funding to sustain life-saving operations and support local responders.

The UN reiterated that civilians must be protected and allowed to flee safely, urging all warring parties to halt hostilities and respect humanitarian law. Fighting has also intensified in Sudan’s North Kordofan state, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.