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Women and girls continue suffering one year into the Sudan war

People displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan break their fast together during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in a mass "Iftar" meal provided by a charity organisation, at the Huri camp for the displaced, south of Gedaref in eastern Sudan, on March 29, 2024. ( File Photo: AFP)

By Mwangi Maina | 15 Apr 2024

Among those whose lives may be jeopardised are over 7,000 new mothers, if their nutritional and health needs go unmet.

Sudan continues to face one of the most rapidly unfolding crises globally, one year after the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023.

Locals face unprecedented needs, which have catapulted demand for humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and shelter.

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United Nations Women has expressed deep concerns over the devastating impact, particularly on women and girls, urging the international community to prevent the Sudanese conflict from becoming a neglected crisis.

"Sudanese women and girls are paying a heavy price for this violence, bearing the brunt of a humanitarian crisis that remains largely invisible to the world," stated UN Women on Sunday.

The global body highlighted the grim statistics, revealing that 53 per cent of internally displaced persons are women and girls, with an alarming risk of the conflict escalating into the world's largest hunger crisis.

Among those whose lives may be jeopardised are over 7,000 new mothers, if their nutritional and health needs go unmet.

UN Women added that more than 6.7 million people are at risk of gender-based violence, with reports of intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking on the rise.

Sudanese greet army soldiers loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, on April 16, 2023.(AFP)

"Survivors report difficulties in accessing services or reporting to authorities," said UN Women.

The human rights advocates underlined the economic repercussions of the conflict, stating that it marginalises women and pushes them towards extreme measures and the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse as they strive to support their families.

Despite the dire situation, UN Women praised the courage of Sudanese women and women's rights organisations advocating for peace and democratic governance. Their participation in peace processes and humanitarian responses is deemed essential for lasting peace and security.

It, moreover, called for immediate actions to protect women and girls, support their economic empowerment, and involve them in peace negotiations and decision-making processes.

"We urge international partners and donors to invest in local, women-led organisations and prioritise resources to address the gender dimensions of this crisis," appealed UN Women, reiterating the Secretary-General's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.

The body added, "Respect for human rights and international law must prevail, with perpetrators of human rights violations held accountable. Only then can we hope to restore democracy and build a peaceful and secure future for all in Sudan.”