Sexual Violence in Sudan: UN Investigation Reveals “Staggering” Acts

An Alarming Report on Sexual Violence

After 18 months of civil war, a UN investigation report released Tuesday highlights the “staggering” scale of sexual violence in Sudan. The document specifically targets rape, including gang rape, committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Women, girls and children are among the main victims of these unacceptable acts.

Alarming Living Conditions

Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the Sudan Fact-Finding Mission, stressed that “the scale of sexual violence we have seen in Sudan is staggering.” He added that there is no longer any safe place in the country, while abductions of women and children for sexual slavery are on the rise.

A War Marked by Suffering

The conflict between Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has led to a major humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that “25 million people” are now in need of humanitarian assistance, with 11 million internally displaced within Sudan.

War Crimes and Calls to Action

The warring parties are accused of war crimes, including deliberately targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. In their latest report, UN investigators say human rights violations, including torture and persecution, can amount to crimes against humanity. The RSF, in particular, are held responsible for widespread sexual violence in areas under their control.

Conclusion: The Need for Concrete Actions

The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for an international response to the escalating violence in Sudan. The investigators call for an end to the impunity that prevails in the country and urge measures such as an arms embargo extended to all of Sudan and cooperation with the International Criminal Court. The international community must act to protect vulnerable populations and end this cycle of violence.