UNICEF Warns of Pervasive Sexual Violence Risks Amid Sudan Crisis
UNICEF reports that over 12 million people in Sudan face heightened risks of sexual violence as the war and humanitarian crisis continue. Reports indicate a drastic rise in sexual violence cases, particularly against children, as the conflict intensifies. The UN Security Council meets to address the crisis, with calls for substantive action rather than mere words, while medical organizations highlight the dire conditions for civilians.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 12 million individuals facing heightened risks of sexual violence, as reported by UNICEF. In a recent address to the UN Security Council, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted that instances of sexual violence have surged by 80 percent, especially impacting women, girls, and increasingly, men and boys. This alarming situation underscores the dire humanitarian needs in Sudan as the crisis nears its two-year mark.
Catherine Russell referenced UNICEF’s data, revealing 221 reported cases of rape against children across nine states in 2024, including alarming cases involving very young children. Russell emphasized that these figures likely represent a fraction of a much larger crisis due to survivors’ reluctance to seek help out of fear and social stigma.
The UN Security Council meeting also highlighted the plight of 16 million children requiring humanitarian aid as a result of the ongoing violence between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which erupted in April 2023. This conflict has led to tens of thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over 12 million individuals, marking it as one of the world’s most significant humanitarian emergencies.
Between June and December 2024, more than 900 “grave violations” against children were documented, with a significant percentage involving fatalities or injuries. The discussion was aptly timed, as fighting in el-Fasher has escalated, with the SAF accusing RSF of indiscriminately targeting civilians.
Christopher Lockyear, Secretary-General of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), voiced strong criticisms of the ongoing situation, claiming it is a war on the people and condemning the UN Security Council’s ceasefire proclamations as ineffective. He described the civilians’ plight by stating, “Whilst statements are being made in this chamber, civilians remain unseen, unprotected, bombed, besieged, raped, displaced, deprived of food, of medical care, of dignity.”
Despite the dire circumstances, Sudan’s UN Ambassador maintained the Sudanese government is committed to civilian protection through a national plan, challenging the criticisms leveled by Lockyear. The Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians, continues to be referenced by diplomats, although Lockyear advocates for a new framework that effectively addresses the urgent needs in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan is rapidly deteriorating, with UNICEF reporting over 12 million individuals at risk of sexual violence amidst a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of children. The conflict highlights a significant failure of both local and international efforts to safeguard civilians. With ongoing violence and ineffective ceasefire calls, urgent action is necessary to address and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
