Over the last month, six* human rights defenders have been killed in El-Geneina, West Darfur. I condemn these tragic, abhorrent attacks.
Those targeted have included lawyers and human rights monitors. All six reportedly received threats from militia members prior to the killings, indicating they may have been specifically targeted for their human rights work. Of those killed, many were attacked at their homes alongside their family members.
The attacks have taken place in the context of generalised violence resulting from the ongoing power struggle in the country, with the situation in El-Geneina now disastrous. Several of the killings have been attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
HRDs in Darfur and across Sudan have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts since the recent conflict in Sudan broke out, providing emergency services all the while seeking to document violations and support victims.
The killings give rise to extremely serious concerns for the safety of other defenders in the country, as well as for their family members. They cannot be allowed to rest in impunity.
I am committed to following the situation and express my full solidarity with all defenders in the country.
* In the initial version of the post, it was incorrectly stated that seven human rights defenders had been killed. This has now been corrected.
