Darfur Victims Support Organization
Report on the Aerial Bombing of Fata Barno IDP Camp – Kutum, North Darfur State | January 5, 2025
January 11, 2025
Introduction
Human rights violations continue to escalate in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, amidst the ongoing armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allies on one side, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the other. This conflict, which erupted in April 2023 in the capital, Khartoum, has spread across various Sudanese states, violating all humanitarian norms and international laws governing armed conflicts.
Darfur has witnessed a series of crimes amounting to war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity as per the Rome Statute. Among these crimes is the indiscriminate aerial bombing targeting civilians in populated areas, constituting a flagrant violation of international law. This report by the Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization highlights an aerial bombing carried out by Sudanese military aircraft on the Fata Barno IDP camp in Kutum, North Darfur State, which resulted in civilian casualties and extensive destruction of homes.
Legal Framework
1. International Humanitarian Law:
The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols prohibit the targeting of civilians and residential areas during armed conflicts, obliging parties to take all necessary measures to avoid harm to civilians.
2. International Human Rights Law:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protect the right to life and prohibit attacks on civilians.
3. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court:
The deliberate attack on civilian populations is classified as a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
Incident Details
According to eyewitness accounts, on January 5, 2025, the Fata Barno IDP camp in Kutum, North Darfur State, was subjected to an aerial bombing by Sudanese military aircraft. The attack resulted in the death and injury of several displaced persons and the destruction of their homes, exacerbating the suffering of the camp’s residents. Among the deceased were three sisters whose names have been documented:
1. Tahaani Omar Abkar
2. Makkah Omar Abkar
3. Madinah Omar Abkar
Damages
The airstrike caused the death of numerous civilians, predominantly women and children, and led to widespread destruction of homes and properties. This forced the displaced persons to flee once more, losing their shelter and meager belongings.
Consequences
The attacks have worsened the already deteriorating humanitarian situation in the IDP camps, leading to increased cases of forced displacement and widespread fear and panic among civilians, who fear the recurrence of such attacks in the absence of security and stability.
Recommendations
1. To the Warring Parties:
a. Conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
b. Cease targeting civilians and fully comply with international humanitarian law.
c. Provide urgent support to the displaced persons affected by the airstrike, including shelter and healthcare services.
2. To the International Community:
a. Apply diplomatic pressure on the warring parties to cease targeting civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
b. Support an independent investigation into the incident under the supervision of the United Nations.
c. Provide urgent humanitarian aid to those affected by the airstrike on the Fata Barno IDP camp.
3. To Human Rights Organizations:
a. Conduct comprehensive documentation of the violations faced by displaced persons in Darfur.
b. Submit detailed reports to international bodies to ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
c. Launch international awareness campaigns to shed light on the plight of civilians in Darfur.
Conclusion
The aerial bombing of the Fata Barno IDP camp constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and halt military escalation. The Darfur Victims Advocacy Organization calls for decisive actions to ensure accountability for those responsible for these violations and to protect the displaced persons living under constant threat.
