The United Nations has raised the alarm over what it describes as a looming human rights catastrophe in Sudan's city of Al-Obeid, urging the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians as violence intensifies in the conflict-ridden region.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that the situation in Al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, is rapidly deteriorating and could result in widespread atrocities if urgent intervention is not taken. "The signs from Al-Obeid are clear and unmistakable.

Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan," Türk said, calling on all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.

According to the UN, Al-Obeid has endured months of siege-like conditions amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Residents have been left without adequate access to food, clean water, medicine and other essential supplies, while repeated drone strikes and shelling have destroyed civilian infrastructure.

UN officials reported that dozens of civilians have been killed and many others injured in recent attacks on the city. Humanitarian agencies have also warned that nearly 500,000 people in and around Al-Obeid face an imminent threat if fighting escalates further.

The United Kingdom, backed by Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway, requested an emergency debate at the UN Human Rights Council over the worsening crisis, warning that the city risks becoming the site of another large-scale humanitarian disaster similar to previous attacks witnessed elsewhere in Sudan.

Human rights organisations have echoed the UN's concerns, calling for unrestricted humanitarian access, increased international diplomatic efforts and accountability for those responsible for attacks on civilians.

Sudan has remained embroiled in a devastating civil war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the SAF and the RSF. The conflict has displaced millions of people, devastated communities and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread hunger, disease and repeated violations of human rights.

The United Nations has renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance and stronger international engagement to prevent further loss of life in Al-Obeid and other conflict-affected areas across Sudan.