Darfur Victims support Organization
Report on the Series of Human Rights Violations in El Daein, East Darfur State
Date: November 11, 2024
East Darfur State, particularly the city of El Daein, is experiencing a severe deterioration in security conditions amidst escalating armed conflicts and a lack of civilian protection. On October 31, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in which an armed group, suspected to be affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces, attacked unarmed civilians, resulting in one fatality and multiple serious injuries, in addition to the abduction and harsh detention of one individual. This incident reveals a pattern of continuous violence against civilians, constituting a grave violation of fundamental human rights.
Facts:
Eyewitnesses and families of the victims reported that an armed group consisting of five motorcycles and two vehicles, one of which was equipped with a Dushka weapon, and comprising approximately 15 individuals, attacked civilians returning from the Al-Zareeba market. The armed group fired indiscriminately, resulting in:
1. Othman Ali Mohamed (65 years old): Sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, was transported to El Daein Educational Hospital, but succumbed to severe bleeding.
2. Abkar Ibrahim (Karnakran) (75 years old): Suffered a leg injury and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
3. Haroun Hassan Adam (Abu Shouk) (69 years old): Was beaten with whips, resulting in severe injuries.
4. Adam Abdelrahman Arbab (Kabous) (47 years old): Sustained a leg injury and was transferred to the hospital.
The group also abducted Mr. Douma Adam Hassan, a local trader injured in the attack. He was taken to the Faj Al-Halla area west of El Daein, where he was held in a forest for a week despite his injuries and his pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, underscoring the severity of the conditions he endured.
Legal Commentary:
• Violation of the Right to Life and Personal Security: The indiscriminate shooting at unarmed civilians constitutes a severe violation of their right to life and personal security, as enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
• Physical Abuse and Inhumane Treatment: The use of whipping and deliberate physical harm constitutes torture and inhumane treatment, contravening the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which prohibits any form of torture or physical abuse.
• Abduction and Unlawful Detention: The abduction and detention of Mr. Douma Adam Hassan is a clear infringement on his right to liberty and personal security, constituting a violation of international human rights law that prohibits arbitrary detention. His detention under harsh conditions amounts to an additional offense, given his medical condition.
Recommendations:
1. International Intervention: The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls on the international community, including the African Union, the United Nations Security Council, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to urgently intervene to protect civilians in Darfur and ensure their safety in conflict-affected areas.
2. Strengthening Support for the International Investigative Mechanism: The organization urges increased logistical and field support for the international investigative mechanism established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate ongoing violations in Darfur. This mechanism must be empowered to access all affected areas and document violations accurately and transparently to ensure accountability for those responsible for crimes against civilians in Darfur.
3. Release of Detainees: The organization reiterates its call for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, ensuring they receive necessary medical care and are protected from harsh treatment or torture, with full adherence to international human rights standards.
In conclusion, the escalation of violence in Darfur necessitates urgent and serious action from the international community to ensure civilian safety and hold perpetrators of repeated crimes accountable. The Darfur Victims Support Organization calls for immediate action to halt these violations and establish a secure environment that respects basic human rights and safeguards the lives of innocent people in Darfur.
