Clementine Nkweta-Salami issued a statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the escalating shelling, aerial bombardments, and drone strikes that are affecting civilians in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, as well as other areas impacted by conflict. Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a fierce struggle for control, leading to extensive loss of life, widespread destruction, and significant displacement.
Indiscriminate assaults are ‘extremely troubling’
“Accounts of ongoing indiscriminate attacks on residences, marketplaces, and displacement camps are extremely troubling,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami remarked. “What we are witnessing is not a war; it is a brutal attack on human existence.” Additionally, she condemned the “appalling” use of starvation as a tool of warfare against innocent individuals in Al Fasher, North Darfur.
She underscored that the regulations governing warfare are unequivocal, emphasizing that all parties involved in the conflict bear both legal and moral responsibilities to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure. “The international community cannot turn a blind eye while civilians are ensnared in the conflict, suffering the consequences of a war that blatantly violates the essential principles of armed conflict and international humanitarian law,” she stated.
The senior official reiterated her call for all factions to adhere to international humanitarian law, cease targeting civilians and their infrastructure, and facilitate immediate, unhindered humanitarian access for those in distress. “This war must not continue to be waged at the cost of the lives of innocent Sudanese children, women, and men,” she added.
UN relief chief advocates for Gaza ceasefire during Israel and OPT visit
The United Nations’ leading aid official is continuing his week-long visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, aiming to engage with authorities, aid partners, and frontline responders in the humanitarian effort. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher visited Nir Oz in southern Israel on Tuesday, a location where a significant portion of the population was either killed or taken hostage during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023.
In a post on social media, he emphasized the necessity for the ceasefire to be maintained, the protection of civilians, and the release of all hostages.
Aid to Gaza
Mr. Fletcher also conducted multiple meetings with Israeli officials, both on Tuesday and the previous Monday evening. Discussions focused on sustaining humanitarian assistance to Gaza and addressing the rising violence in the West Bank. According to estimates from the UN and humanitarian partners, over 565,000 individuals have moved from southern Gaza to the north since January 27, while more than 45,000 have been noted traveling in the opposite direction.
Mr. Fletcher arrived in the region on Monday and engaged with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, in addition to holding separate discussions with the president of the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
WHO recognizes individuals impacted by cancer on World Cancer Day
On Tuesday, February 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Cancer Day, honoring the bravery of those affected by the disease and celebrating advancements in treatment. “Every minute, 40 individuals worldwide are diagnosed with cancer and begin their journey of overcoming it,” noted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a post on the social media platform X.
He highlighted that “globally, WHO is collaborating with partners to forge coalitions, stimulate local initiatives, and amplify the voices of those impacted by cancer.” The organization’s initiatives aim to enhance the lives of millions, including providing medications for pediatric cancers and launching a global campaign to eradicate cervical cancer. Tedros also reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to universal health coverage during the World Cancer Day observance.
