NGOs demand international action to avert 'atrocities' in Obeid

Fears of further atrocities in Sudan have prompted calls for urgent international intervention, with 38 non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, urging the United Nations Human Rights Council to act over the situation in El Obeid.

In an open letter addressed to member and observer states of the Geneva-based council, the organizations called on the body to "urgently address the situation in and around El Obeid" and take "bold steps towards atrocity prevention and accountability."

The city, a strategic hub in Sudan's southern Kordofan region, has been encircled for months by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The United Nations has warned that atrocities committed during the RSF's October 2025 assault on El Fasher could be repeated. The UN said the violence in El Fasher bore the "hallmarks of genocide."

Concern over El Obeid has intensified in recent days, with warnings from the UN Security Council, the United States and several European countries.

"After 18 months of siege-like conditions," the NGOs said, adding that the situation around El Obeid appeared to be at risk of an imminent ground offensive by the RSF and its allied forces.

In light of this and "credible reports of risks of atrocity crimes, and risks of further violations throughout Sudan," the NGOs urged the rights council to "convene an urgent debate" during its ongoing session, which is due to conclude on July 7, or hold a special session on the crisis "at the earliest opportunity" thereafter.

The organizations also called on the council to request that an independent UN fact-finding mission conduct an urgent investigation into the situation.

The NGOs said other external actors backing the RSF, Sudan's army or other armed groups should also be condemned and held accountable for violations, including those that may amount to crimes under international law.

The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 12 million others, according to the United Nations.