The Emergency Lawyers group stated that the targeting of humanitarian convoys in the Darfur region constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and undermines both local and international efforts aimed at delivering food and medicine to areas facing critical conditions. This comes amid an increase in attacks against relief trucks during the current month of November.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group expressed strong condemnation of drone strikes against relief trucks, which it said were carried out by the Sudanese army. It explained that the attacks occurred on November 6, 9, and 13 as convoys were passing through Central Darfur State en route to the city of El Fasher. The group said these attacks resulted in the destruction of several trucks and posed grave risks to the lives of civilians and humanitarian workers, at a time when hundreds of thousands of residents depend on emergency aid following the collapse of basic services in the region.
The statement stressed that targeting humanitarian convoys is a blatant breach of international humanitarian law and sabotages efforts to deliver food and medicine to affected areas. It added that these attacks risk increasing hunger rates and spreading diseases while turning humanitarian work into a tool of war that strips it of neutrality and legitimacy—further deepening the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
The statement called on all parties to the conflict to ensure safe passage and full protection for humanitarian convoys, to comply with international humanitarian law, and to protect civilians and aid workers. It also urged full cooperation with international agencies to facilitate the delivery of aid without obstruction or threats, affirming that the protection of humanitarian work is a top priority under the current circumstances.
The Emergency Lawyers group affirmed that it would pursue these incidents through all available legal channels to ensure that no party escapes accountability, particularly amid the worsening humanitarian situation that risks large-scale famine. The group emphasized that legal accountability is essential to safeguarding civilians’ rights and ensuring that relief efforts continue in conflict zones.
