The Migration and Refugee Forum in the Arab World (MARFA) strongly condemns the ongoing atrocities unfolding in Al Fashir, North Darfur, Sudan. The recent seizure of the city by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), following an 18-month siege, has plunged the region into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with scores of people killed in just a few days and many trying to seek safety in surrounding areas. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports alarming accounts of summary executions, mass killings, and serious violations occurring in the capital of North Darfur, leaving appalling humanitarian consequences. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media report brutal acts against civilians, including those seeking refuge in medical facilities, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Thousands are feared to be trapped in El Fasher, facing dire conditions exacerbated by acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
This takeover marks one of the most tragic episodes in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, reviving the systematic violence and ethnic cleansing reminiscent of past atrocities. The international community must recognize the gravity of this crisis in Darfur, as warnings of a further genocide in the Arab region loom larger. The region is already hosting over a million of Sudanese refugees who live in conditions of deep marginalization and neglect across neighboring countries, with extremely limited access to protection, services, or resettlement opportunities. This situation risks leaving entire communities further behind and stranded, compounding the human cost of a crisis that has already shown its dramatic impact on Sudanese society, its refugees and the whole region.
It is imperative that we do not act indifferently to the unfolding horrors. Hence, we call upon the global community to act decisively to protect civilians in Al Fashir and across Sudan, provide humanitarian assistance, and push for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. The time for action is now; we cannot afford to remain silent in the face of such blatant violations of human rights. We urge all humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and international NGOs to join our call for immediate intervention to:
- Prevent further ethnic cleansing episodes and acts of genocide.
- Guarantee protection for the civilian population.
- Facilitate the access of humanitarian aid and guarantee safe escape routes.
- Ensure that critical infrastructures, including healthcare facilities, are protected and operational.
The continued suffering of the people of Sudan is a shame on humanity. We must collectively stand against the horrors of violence, displacement, and genocide, ensuring that history does not repeat itself.
About MARFA:
The Migration and Refugee Forum for the Arab World (MARFA) is an independent network of Arab academics, human rights activists, and lawyers that emerged in response to the dire need for a collective approach to championing the rights of migrants and refugees and raising awareness about related pressing issues in the region, including statelessness and the Arab diaspora.
