UN Experts Decry Inadequate Care for Sexual Violence Survivors in Sudan

The experts urgently called for all parties involved in the conflict to halt attacks on women human rights defenders and first responders.

 UN experts have today highlighted the severe lack of adequate care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan. This includes a critical shortage of sexual and reproductive health care, psychosocial support, and protection for human rights defenders and first responders who document violations and assist survivors.

The experts reported alarming instances of sexual abuse, including rape, gang rape, enforced prostitution, sexual slavery, kidnapping, enforced disappearances, and unlawful killings perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups. These abuses are occurring amidst a dire humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7.9 million people.

The experts urgently called for all parties involved in the conflict to halt attacks on women human rights defenders and first responders. Between January and June 2024, at least nine women activists were targeted, further endangering those working to document human rights abuses and provide essential services.

“The layers of violence—arbitrary detention, arrests, violations of due process, and killings—against women rights defenders are deeply troubling and have a chilling effect on the delivery of services, documentation of violations, and pursuit of justice,” the experts stated. They demanded an end to these attacks, improved humanitarian access to affected populations, and prompt investigations into human rights violations.

With at least 6.7 million people at risk of gender-based violence, displaced, refugee, and migrant women and girls are particularly vulnerable. The experts expressed grave concern over the inadequate care available to survivors, including difficulties in accessing medical and trauma services, rape kits, emergency contraception, and safe abortions. Survivors who have carried pregnancies to term face severe shortages of pre-and post-partum services.

The experts emphasized the necessity of ensuring women’s meaningful leadership and participation in the conflict resolution process, in line with Security Council Resolution 1325. “Women are actively calling for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and effective monitoring. Their meaningful participation is crucial not only as a matter of rights but also for achieving lasting and sustainable peace,” they asserted.

These concerns have been communicated to the Government of Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).