Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-03-20 20:26:39
Women’s groups in Sudan have called upon the UN mechanism responsible for investigating human rights violations in the country to urgently conduct an investigation into reports of rape crimes targeting women and girls in conflict zones. The issue has gained significant attention following the April 2023 conflict, with varying estimates of rape survivors in the country.
According to the Doctors Committee, at least 417 cases of rape have been documented, while reports from other human rights and medical groups suggest a lower figure of 370. However, both groups agree that these numbers are likely just a fraction of the true number of survivors, as many cases go unreported.
In a critical memorandum submitted by 68 women’s groups, including the West Darfur Sexual Equality Network and the Sudanese Women Media Network, the worsening human rights situation in Al-Jazirah State since December 2023 was highlighted. The document detailed ongoing intimidation, looting, forced displacement, and severe violations against women in the region.
The memorandum also pointed out the continuation of rape in conflict zones such as Khartoum and Darfur, where sexual violence persists. Reports from the government’s Unit for Combating Violence against Women and the Women’s Network of the Horn of Africa confirm instances of rape, often involving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
These women’s advocacy groups expressed hope that the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission would investigate these crimes. They stressed the importance of impartial investigations into all reported violations and called on the Mission to include its findings in the final report submitted to the Human Rights Council in June.
The organizations have previously supported the creation of the fact-finding mission and reiterated their willingness to assist with information gathering and monitoring violations. They also emphasized the need for women’s involvement in these crucial processes to ensure that survivors’ rights are secured, perpetrators are held accountable, and women and girls are safeguarded from future attacks.
The human rights crisis in Sudan led the Human Rights Council to launch an Independent Fact-Finding Mission on October 11, 2023, to investigate all alleged violations since the April 15th conflict, including those against refugees. The organizations are hopeful that this mission will uncover the truth behind the rape crimes and address the widespread sexual assaults against women and girls in the country.
In conclusion, the issue of rape crimes targeting women and girls in conflict zones in Sudan is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Women’s groups are urging the UN mechanism to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice for survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent future attacks on women and girls.
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