UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami has noted with concern the reports of shelling in and around Zamzam camp near Al Fasher, North Darfur State.
Zamzam is the largest camp for the internally displaced people in Darfur, hosting over 500,000 people.
Nkweta-Salami said in a press release dated December 3 that the siege of Al Fasher had resulted in unacceptable levels of human suffering.
“I am deeply concerned by reports of the indiscriminate shelling of Zamzam camp, health clinics, and shelters of displaced people. Their protection is paramount,” said Nkweta-Salami.
She disclosed that it was now 232 days since the siege of Al Fasher began, which has resulted in unacceptable levels of human suffering.
“The United Nations and humanitarian partners in Sudan strongly condemn these acts of violence against innocent civilians,” she said.
The Humanitarian Coordinator called for the protection of civilians and a halt to the attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“These repeated attacks impacting civilian facilities are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that the war has had on Sudanese men, women and children, especially those living in the most vulnerable conditions. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be a target,” she said.
Humanitarian aid organizations reported that Zamzam camp came under fire and intense shelling during the evening of December 1 and again on December 2.
According to initial reports, at least five people were killed and 18 people were wounded.
NGOs were forced to suspend activities in Zamzam camp and the hospital was evacuated due to the danger and risks posed.
The situation in Zamzam camp was already at a breaking point, according to the UN and other aid agencies.
Al Fasher town and Zamzam camp have been cut off from critical humanitarian supplies for months, and famine conditions were confirmed in August.