UN Rights Chief Alarmed by Civilian Deaths in Sudan Drone Strikes

According to reports received by the UN Human Rights Office, separate drone attacks between 15 and 16 February killed at least 57 civilians, including at least 15 children, across four states.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed grave concern following reports that more than 50 civilians were killed in a series of drone strikes across Sudan over two days this week, warning of a worsening pattern of attacks on civilian areas.

“These latest killings are yet another reminder of the devastating consequences on civilians of the escalating use of drone warfare in Sudan,” Türk said on Wednesday.

He warned that the attacks reflect a repeated and deeply troubling pattern in the conflict, with civilian infrastructure increasingly coming under fire.

“They also perpetuate a pattern that we have seen time and again in this conflict of attacks on civilian objects and infrastructure, including markets, health facilities and schools.”

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At Least 57 Civilians Killed in Two Days

According to reports received by the UN Human Rights Office, separate drone attacks between 15 and 16 February killed at least 57 civilians, including at least 15 children, across four states.

The reported incidents include:

• North Kordofan (15 February):An alleged Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) drone strike hit Al Safiya market in Sudari locality, reportedly killing 28 civilians and injuring 13 others.

• West Kordofan (16 February):An alleged SAF drone strike hit a shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al Sunut, killing 26 civilians — including 15 children — and injuring 15 others.

• South Kordofan (16 February):Alleged Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drones struck two primary schools in Dilling. Casualty figures remain unconfirmed.

Beyond Kordofan, additional reported attacks targeted key civilian facilities:

• Sennar State (15 February):An alleged RSF drone strike hit Al-Mazmoun Hospital, reportedly killing at least three civilians and injuring at least seven others, including a medical worker.

• West Darfur (15 February):An alleged SAF drone struck a fuel store within a market in Adikong. Casualties have been reported but remain unverified.

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Pattern of Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

The High Commissioner’s statement underscores growing international alarm at the expanding use of drones in Sudan’s conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF.

Since the war began, millions have been displaced internally and across borders, and repeated attacks on markets, hospitals, schools and displacement sites have compounded what aid agencies describe as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

“The continued attacks by all parties on civilian objects must stop,” Türk said.

“The parties must take urgent measures to protect civilians, including by refraining from the military use of civilian objects.”

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Call for Ceasefire and End to Arms Transfers

Türk renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue aimed at securing a ceasefire.

He also reiterated appeals to the international community to halt the flow of weapons into the conflict.

“All States, particularly those with influence, [must] do all in their power to end the arms transfers that are fuelling the conflict and undermining the protection of civilians,” he said.

As drone warfare intensifies and civilian casualties mount, the UN warns that without urgent international action, Sudan’s already catastrophic humanitarian situation risks further deterioration.