U.N. Women Gender Alert on Sexual Violence in Sudan

As the civil war continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the humanitarian crisis has escalated dramatically. An estimated 20,000 people have been killed, and millions have been displaced, with women and children facing the brunt of the violence and food insecurity. The report from U.N. Women emphasizes that nearly 5.8 million internally displaced women are at heightened risk of sexual violence, often going unreported due to stigma and lack of support. The ongoing violence is not only a physical threat but also erodes the social fabric of communities, targeting the most vulnerable members. U.N. Women calls for urgent action to protect women and girls, stressing the need for accountability and justice for victims of gender-based violence.

Rising Gender-Based Violence

The U.N. report reveals a staggering rise in reports of conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and abuse. Hodan Addou, U.N. Women’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, noted that the conflict has exacerbated the risks faced by women and girls, with many experiencing brutal violence in front of their loved ones. The U.N. estimates that over 6.7 million people will require services related to gender-based violence by the end of 2023, a number that is likely to have increased since the report was published.

Humanitarian Crisis

Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than 26 million people experiencing acute hunger. The conflict has led to significant displacement, with 10.8 million people internally displaced and another 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Women, particularly those heading households, are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, as 64% of female-headed households experience this crisis compared to 48% of male-headed households.

Health Care Access

The ongoing violence has severely disrupted access to health care services across Sudan. With 70% to 80% of hospitals non-functional, critical services such as maternal and child health care are no longer available, leading to increased mortality rates among women and children. The World Health Organization has reported that childhood vaccinations and disease surveillance have also been affected, creating conditions conducive to disease outbreaks.

Call to Action

U.N. Women is urging the international community to take immediate action to protect women and girls in Sudan. This includes providing access to food, safe water, and sexual and reproductive health services. The organization emphasizes the need for accountability for those committing acts of sexual violence and exploitation, aiming to ensure that Sudan does not become a forgotten crisis amid the ongoing conflict.