UN Warns of Widespread Sexual Violence in Sudan
The United Nations has raised alarms over an alarming increase in sexual violence against women in Sudan, describing the situation as an 'epidemic'. During a recent visit to Port Sudan, Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed deep shame over the inability to protect vulnerable women and condemned the actions of perpetrators, particularly the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Fletcher's remarks coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where he emphasized the need for the global community to do more to safeguard Sudanese women. A UN report released at the end of October highlighted that rape has become widespread in Sudan, with most incidents attributed to the RSF. Mohamed Chande Othman, head of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Situation in Sudan, stated that the scale of sexual violence is shocking and requires immediate action.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands dead and over 11 million displaced. The UN estimates that nearly 26 million people, or about half of Sudan's population, are at risk of mass famine. The warring factions have been accused of using hunger as a weapon of war, exacerbating the plight of civilians.
During his visit, Fletcher met with key military leaders, including Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese army, to discuss strategies for improving aid delivery across conflict lines. The UN continues to call for urgent international support to address the dire conditions faced by the Sudanese population, particularly women and children who are disproportionately affected by the violence.
Urgent Action Needed to Protect Women and Girls
The testimonies from Sudanese women reveal a harrowing reality where sexual violence is rampant, with many women and girls subjected to kidnapping and sexual slavery. Osman, the head of the fact-finding mission, highlighted that there is currently no safe place in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures for the most vulnerable civilians. The international community is urged to take decisive action to combat this crisis and support those affected by the ongoing violence.
