UN to hold debate on Sudan's al-Obeid as Britain warns of atrocities

By Emma Farge

GENEVA, ‌June 30 (Reuters) - ​The ​U.N. Human Rights Council on Tuesday decided to hold an urgent debate ‌on the situation in Sudan's al-Obeid later this ⁠week, with Britain's envoy warning of the risk of ‌large-scale atrocities.

The request follows ‌reports that Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and allies are massing forces around the city ​of al-Obeid that could result in an escalation of the conflict.

Britain's Human Rights Ambassador ⁠Eleanor Sanders described "siege-like conditions" that have left thousands trapped and ​cut off from humanitarian aid amid intensifying drone strikes.

"Up to 500,000 civilians are now ​at risk of large-scale ‌atrocities...We cannot allow a repeat of preventable atrocities," she told the Geneva-based ⁠council.

The request was also backed by Germany, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands and the debate will take ⁠place on July 3. Sudan's delegation declined to address the ​council on Tuesday.

Sanders said that London planned to table a motion before the 47-member council on Friday, without ‌giving details. The council does not have any legal powers but can ‌vote to launch investigations which are sometimes ⁠used as evidence in ‌war crimes cases ​before national or international courts.

(Reporting by Emma Farge, Editing by Friederike Heine, Alexandra ‌Hudson)

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