Joint Statement: INGOs Condemn the Persistent Violations of International Humanitarian Law in El Fasher, Civilians Starved and Besieged

International non-governmental organizations working in Sudan condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the renewed and devastating attacks on El Fasher that began on August 11 and persisted throughout the day and night. Indiscriminate shelling has caused widespread destruction of homes, markets, hospitals, and displacement sites. Local responders report at least 40 civilians killed as two displacement camps were attacked. Once again, the city’s residents are bearing the brunt of flagrant violations of International Humanitarian Law.

The people of El Fasher have remained trapped in a siege for over fourteen months. The city is being strangled, not only by the relentless aerial and artillery bombardments but also the calculated use of starvation as a weapon of war. Aid has been systematically blocked from entering for months, while traders face attacks and farmers are prevented from planting. Anecdotal reports of recent food hoarding for military use add to the suffering of civilians. With markets depleted, high taxes on the movement of goods, and prices spiralling, civilians have been forced to eat animal fodder to survive, supplies of which are running out. Local responders operating communal kitchens are being targeted and, with no funds remaining, can only serve women and children. Lacking safe shelter, some civilians have resorted to digging holes in the ground to protect themselves from shelling.

Sustained attacks, obstruction of aid and targeting of critical infrastructure demonstrate a deliberate strategy to break the civilian population through hunger, fear, and exhaustion. There is no safe passage out of the city, with roads blocked and those attempting to flee facing attacks, taxation at checkpoints, community-based discrimination and death. Survivors recount being looted of even their water, and having to dig hurried graves along the route for those who died or were killed along the way. Aid workers and their families continue to be targeted and detained, and multiple reports point to widespread sexual violence and exploitation targeting those fleeing.

We call on all parties to the conflict to:

● Immediately cease all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure

● Guarantee safe, voluntary, and dignified passage for all those wishing to leave the city

● Halt the use of explosive weapons in civilian areas, including displacement camps

● End the siege and allow unhindered humanitarian aid and traders into and out of El Fasher

● Uphold their obligations under IHL and commitments under the Jeddah Declaration and ensure accountability for those responsible for war crimes

We urge the international community, including the UN Security Council, regional bodies, donor states, and those with influence over parties to the conflict and their sponsors to take decisive action to protect civilians in El Fasher and across Sudan, including by upholding UNSC Resolution 2736 on El Fasher and UNSC 2417 on the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Silence and inaction serve to embolden further mass atrocities. The people of El Fasher cannot wait: their survival depends on an immediate end to the violence, unrestricted humanitarian access, and steadfast protection of their fundamental rights.