War in Sudan: Children as Young as One Year Old Fall Victim to Sexual Violence
GENEVA: Children under five, including babies, are among the victims of sexual violence in the war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to findings shared today by UN children’s agency Unicef.
DB of Sexual Violence Cases
The UN agency cited a database compiled by Sudan-based groups helping survivors of sexual violence, which showed that of 221 cases involving children registered since last year, 16 were under five years old, including four one-year-olds. About one-third of the victims were male.
Limited Reporting Due to Stigma and Fear
The database includes cases from across the country, but aid workers and rights groups think it represents just a fraction of the cases because stigma, fear of reprisals, and lack of access to medical facilities limit reporting.
Survivors’ Stories
Some of the survivors cited by Unicef say they fell pregnant as a result of the assaults, resulting in rejection by relatives and additional hardships. One woman who was held in captivity with other women and girls was quoted saying, "After nine at night, someone opens the door, carrying a whip, selects one of the girls, and takes her to another room. I could hear the little girl crying and screaming." "They only release these girls at dawn, and they return almost unconscious."
Unicef’s Call to Action
Unicef did not say who was responsible for the child rapes, calling on both sides to respect international law. "Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action," Unicef executive director Catherine Russell said in a statement.
War’s Devastating Consequences
War erupted in April 2023 from a power struggle between the army and the RSF ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule, triggering huge displacement and hunger crises. A UN fact-finding mission has described levels of sexual abuse as "staggering".
RSF’s Responsibility
The majority of known cases were perpetrated by the RSF and its allies, the mission said, noting it was more difficult to report in army-controlled territories. Reuters has reported on women who said they were gang-raped in ethnically targeted attacks by the RSF and allied Arab militiamen.
UN Human Rights Chief’s Statement
UN human rights chief Volker Turk said last week that over half of reported rape cases in Sudan were gang rape, "an indication that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war".
RSF’s Commitment to Justice
The RSF has previously said it would investigate allegations and bring perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
The war in Sudan has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with children as young as one year old falling victim to sexual violence. It is crucial that both sides respect international law and take immediate action to protect children from these heinous crimes.
FAQs
What is the situation in Sudan?
The war between the army and the RSF has triggered huge displacement and hunger crises in Sudan.
How many children have been affected?
Unicef reported 221 cases involving children, with 16 being under five years old, including four one-year-olds.
Who is responsible for the child rapes?
Unicef did not say, calling on both sides to respect international law.
What is the response of the RSF?
The RSF has previously said it would investigate allegations and bring perpetrators to justice.