Rights group calls for immediate humanitarian access for war victims in Sudan

Amnesty International is calling for the immediate humanitarian access for victims of conflict in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states following the signing of a ceasefire deal.

Amnesty International is calling for the immediate humanitarian access for victims of conflict in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile states following the signing of a ceasefire deal.

On Monday the Sudanese government and the rebel umbrella Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) signed a political accord, paving the way for the launch of negotiations and an agreement on the cessation of hostilities for humanitarian purposes.

The rights group Deputy Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, Seif Magango said, “The people in the conflict-torn areas of Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, have been denied basic rights like education, health, and even adequate food for years through deliberate blocking of humanitarian assistance.”

Magango urged all parties to facilitate immediate access to humanitarian aid the suffering of the civilians.

“Our research over the years has shown the terrible extent of the atrocities suffered by the victims of Sudan’s internal conflicts – including the use of chemical weapons and scorched earth techniques.

 It is absolutely crucial that all sides work tirelessly to facilitate immediate, unfettered access to the humanitarian aid needed to end the suffering civilians have endured for many years,” he said.

Amnesty International further called for an end to impunity for war crimes and other serious crimes, “The rights of victims to justice and reparation must be prioritized,” Magango said.

The peace talks between the transitional government and armed movements who fought former President Omar al-Bashir's forces in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, are being mediated by South Sudan.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and rebels in the Kordofan and Blue Nile regions broke out in 2011, and conflict in Darfur began in 2003.