The European Union has urged the establishment of a lasting United Nations presence in Sudan’s Darfur region, citing grave human rights abuses and the urgent need to safeguard civilians trapped in the conflict.

In a statement issued by the EU High Representative on behalf of member states, the bloc condemned atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including ethnically motivated killings, sexual violence, and the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war. The EU warned that such acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The call for a permanent UN mission comes after the RSF’s seizure of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has intensified fears of mass atrocities. EU officials stressed that only a sustained international presence can provide monitoring, accountability, and humanitarian access in the region.

“The people of Darfur cannot be left without protection,” the statement emphasized, urging the UN Security Council to act decisively. The EU also announced restrictive measures against RSF leaders, underscoring its commitment to pressure those responsible for violations.

Humanitarian organizations have echoed the EU’s concerns, warning that the collapse of local governance and the scale of displacement demand stronger international engagement. Analysts note that the EU’s position reflects growing alarm over Sudan’s civil war, which has already triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring countries.

The EU’s appeal highlights the urgency of reinforcing UN mechanisms in Darfur, where civilians continue to face systematic violence and denial of aid. Observers say the move could pave the way for renewed international debate on peacekeeping and accountability in Sudan.