Khartoum, Sudan — Since the conflict’s inception three years ago, sexual violence has been systematically employed as a weapon of war, according to a UN Human Rights Office report.
The report details 546 verified incidents of conflict-related sexual violence across 16 of Sudan’s 18 states, with the majority of victims being women and girls.
The youngest victim was just nine years old.
The UN’s Human Rights Commissioner, Volker Türk, emphasizes the urgent need for independent and impartial investigations, stating that persistent impunity is exacerbating the harm and reinforcing cycles of violations. “All perpetrators, including those exercising command responsibility, must be held fully accountable, and victims must be guaranteed access to effective remedy, including reparation, “Türk asserts.
The report underscores that these figures are merely the tip of the iceberg, with underreporting being a significant issue. Forms of sexual violence documented include rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced prostitution, sexual torture, and trafficking for the purpose of sexual violence. Tragically, at least 13 victims have died, most following brutal gang rapes.
The report indicates that most verified cases are attributed to the Rapid Support Forces and its affiliates, although incidents have also been linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and associated groups.
The situation in Darfur raises concerns that some acts of sexual violence may amount to crimes against humanity.
The international community is under increasing pressure to act, with calls for immediate action to protect the civilian population and bring those responsible for these atrocities to justice.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
