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UN calls for action to combat sexual violence in war-torn Sudan

Sexual violence continuous to affect women in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. (OCHA)

By Hanifa Adan | 26 Apr 2024

The conflict has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, and clashes have killed nearly 16,000 people and displaced millions.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday urged immediate measures to address the rampant issue of sexual violence in war-stricken Sudan.

After a year of hostilities in the country, the situation remains dire, with women and girls disproportionately affected by the barbaric acts.

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"After one year of hostilities in Sudan, we are appealing for more international engagement to combat sexual violence against women and girls in the country," said Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya in a joint statement.

"Allegations of rape, forced marriages, sexual slavery, and trafficking of women and girls – especially in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan – continue to be recorded," the statement said

"As members of the Security Council meet this week for the annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence, we urge them to send an unequivocal message: Under international humanitarian law, civilians in Sudan must be protected and must never be subjected to acts of sexual violence, which constitute war crimes," the statement added.

The conflict has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, and clashes have killed nearly 16,000 people and displaced millions.

The officials pointed out that "without increased political and financial support for the vital work of frontline responders – especially organisations led by women – access to life-saving services will only continue to shrink

"We must continue to shore up our support for the people of Sudan – critically by combating sexual violence in all its forms and ensuring that Sudanese frontline responders stay at the centre of those efforts," they added.

The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023, over disagreements about integrating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the army between the army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

Millions of civilians are especially at risk as they flee conflict areas in search of shelter, inside Sudan and in neighboring countries