The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has released a shocking report detailing the widespread child rape and sexual assault during Sudan’s civil war. The report reveals that children as young as one year old are being raped by armed men, with many survivors attempting to end their lives due to the trauma.
According to Unicef, nearly 300 cases of child rape have been officially reported since the start of 2024, but the true number is likely to be much higher due to societal stigma and fear of retribution. The country’s socially conservative nature makes it difficult for survivors and their families to speak out about these crimes.
The report highlights the most disturbing revelation that 16 victims were under five years old, including four infants. Unicef executive director Catherine Russell has condemned the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, calling it an “abhorrent violation of international law” that must stop.
The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused by international human rights groups of using sexual violence to terrorize civilians and suppress opposition. The RSF has denied any wrongdoing, but evidence suggests that victims were targeted because they were black African rather than Arab.
The UN’s humanitarian response for Sudan is already underfunded, with recent cuts in US aid expected to reduce programs to help victims further. Harrowing details from Unicef’s report underscore the dire situation, with survivors recalling being held captive and raped by armed men.
The lack of access to medical services and support for survivors is exacerbating the devastating outcome of these crimes. The UN has been providing safe spaces for children through local activists, but recent US aid cuts have forced many of these programs to shut down.
This report highlights the urgent need for immediate action to protect children from sexual violence in Sudan’s civil war. With millions of children at risk, it is essential that the international community takes steps to stop this epidemic and provide support to survivors.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpdxk853jo