Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-03-14 09:03:01
The Sudanese women’s advocacy group, “Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence,” has recently brought attention to a troubling trend in conflict-affected regions: nearly one-third of recent rape victims are children. According to the UN Human Rights Office, the Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated militants are responsible for 81% of documented conflict-related sexual violence cases, with 60 incidents involving 120 victims.
In a report released in late February, the women’s campaign detailed their findings of 81 rape cases in five Sudanese states between mid-December 2023 and late February 2024, bringing the total documented cases of conflict-related rape to 266. These findings were supported by reports from human rights and medical organizations on March 10th, which documented a total of 370 cases of rape committed by both sides of the conflict since April 2023, with the Rapid Support Forces bearing the most responsibility.
The geographic concentration of these crimes was highlighted by the campaign, with 43% of documented cases occurring in Al Jazirah State, previously controlled by the Rapid Support Forces. North Darfur saw 27% of the cases, with the remaining incidents spread across Khartoum, Central Darfur, and White Nile states.
The campaign emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive support for survivors, including psychological, medical, legal, and community-based resources to help victims heal from their traumatic experiences. They also called for facilitating access to safe and legal abortion for rape victims, along with streamlined procedures to receive necessary treatment.
The challenges of monitoring and documenting sexual violence in conflict-affected regions, compounded by disrupted communication networks and internet limitations, as well as the conservative nature of Sudanese society, make it difficult to accurately assess the true extent of the problem. It is likely that the actual number of victims is much higher than reported.
The “Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence” campaign’s efforts to bring attention to these atrocities and provide support for survivors are commendable. By shedding light on this issue and advocating for the needs of victims, they are playing a crucial role in addressing and combating sexual violence in Sudan’s conflict-affected areas.
In conclusion, the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in Sudan’s conflict zones is a harrowing reality that demands immediate attention and action. The devastating impact on victims, particularly children, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and resources to address this crisis. The work of advocacy groups like “Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence” is vital in raising awareness and seeking justice for survivors of these horrific crimes.
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