The United Nations has called on the Sudanese government to investigate recent attacks in Darfur that claimed at least 50 civilians, many of them children. A report released Friday by the office of Louise Arbour, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, said the attacks, which began Oct. 29, affected at least eight villages and one internally displaced persons camp housing 3,500 people. "The investigation should aim to collect evidence to identify and prosecute those who planned, orchestrated and conducted the attacks," the report said. | Eight of the men killed were 70 years or older and 21 of the victims were under the age of 10, according to the United Nations. Witnesses told the world organization three of the attackers wore the insignia of the Sudanese Armed Forces. |
Approximately 300 to 500 armed men in green camouflage uniforms participated in the attacks, which went on for two days and appeared to target young male children and elderly men, the report said. Eight of the men killed were 70 years or older and 21 of the victims were under the age of 10, according to the United Nations.
Witnesses told the world organization three of the attackers wore the insignia of the Sudanese Armed Forces. "At the very least, the attacks demonstrated the government of Sudan's continued failure to disarm militia in Darfur, and at worst its use of militia forces that target civilian populations," said the report.