UN experts demand international action as human rights violations escalate in Sudan’s displacement camps

GENEVA – A group of independent human rights experts* today strongly condemned the targeted attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Zamzam and Abu Shuk camps in North Darfur.

“We are gravely concerned by the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where relentless violence and targeted attacks have forced millions of internally displaced people into life-threatening conditions—stripping them of access to food, water, shelter, and basic protection, and placing unbearable strain on already overwhelmed humanitarian operations,” the experts said.

As Sudan approaches its third year of armed conflict, violent clashes between RSF and its armed militias and military government forces have escalated dramatically, with devastating consequences for internally displaced persons (IDPs). In North Darfur, the Zamzam camp—once safe environment for families uprooted by violence—has been disproportionately affected by recent hostilities.

The experts said they had received reports of grave human rights violations allegedly committed by the RSF and its aligned militias including indiscriminate shelling, deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the collapse of already fragile health, food and water services, compromising directly the humanitarian principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. The Zamzam IDP camp, previously sheltering over 400,000 individuals, has seen more than 332,000 people flee amid relentless bombardment.

“Sudan is now experiencing the largest internal displacement crisis in the world,” they said.

Over 10.7 million people have been reportedly displaced across the country—nearly a quarter of Sudan’s population—since the onset of conflict in April 2023. This includes over 2 million new displacements in the first quarter of 2025 alone, primarily driven by violence in Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan. The vast scale of displacement is placing overwhelming pressure on already fragile health, shelter, water, and food systems, leaving millions of vulnerable civilians without adequate access to basic services or protection.

The destruction of critical infrastructure has crippled humanitarian response capacity in displacement camps. Fuel shortages have suspended water trucking operations in several regions, including El Fasher, and local health services are overwhelmed by a sudden influx of displaced populations. In Central Darfur, health partners are witnessing alarming levels of malnutrition among children, exacerbated by the breakdown of food distribution systems and the loss of livelihoods.

The experts continue to receive reports of systematic violations, including sexual violence, sexual slavery, forced recruitment—especially by RSF-affiliated elements—and the targeting of civilians. Women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons remain acutely vulnerable. Conflict related trafficking is a serious concern, in particular, trafficking of children for recruitment and use, and of women and girls for sexual exploitation including sexual slavery. The situation underscores the urgent need for strengthened protection mechanisms, particularly child protection and prevention of sexual violence, safe humanitarian access, and robust international monitoring.

Perpetrators must be held accountable through independent investigations and legal proceedings at both domestic and international levels. “These atrocities must not go unanswered. The international community must act decisively to ensure justice and protection for those most affected,” the experts said.

They called for increased support for accountability mechanisms, and the immediate establishment of safe corridors for humanitarian assistance for thousands fleeing displacement camps.

“We echo the call of the Secretary General for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The international community must act with urgency to end the relentless suffering, destruction and loss of life in Sudan.”