In brief
A BBC investigation has found evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed el‑Fasher’s health infrastructure during a year‑old siege. The UN human rights chief called the findings “deeply disturbing” and reminded that harming medical facilities is illegal under international law. The health minister for the civilian‑affiliated government denied the claims, labeling them propaganda, but doctors interviewed by BBC Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher insist the attacks were deliberate. The systematic targeting violates the principles of humanitarian law, underscoring a serious breach of international human rights norms.
A BBC investigation has found evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed the healthcare infrastructure in el‑Fasher during the siege that led to the city’s takeover a year ago.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk described these findings as "deeply disturbing" and reiterated that attacking medical facilities is prohibited by international law.
The health minister for the civilian‑affiliated government, Dr Alaa Eldin Nugud, dismissed the allegations as propaganda, but doctors interviewed by BBC Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher say the attacks were deliberate.
The systematic targeting of hospitals therefore violates humanitarian law, breaching the legal prohibition against harming health facilities or staff during armed conflict.
The BBC’s investigation has highlighted a serious breach of international human‑rights norms, calling for urgent accountability and protection of civilian medical services.
Read more about the BBC’s investigation into the targeting of hospitals by paramilitary fighters.
