UNICEF reports that over 200 children, including infants, have been raped in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict since April 2023. The agency documented 221 cases of rape, with a significant number of victims under five years old. The report underscores the widespread nature of such violence, the challenges in reporting sexual assault cases, and the urgent need for resources and support for survivors.
According to UNICEF, there have been over 200 reported cases of rape against children, including infants, in Sudan since the onset of war in April 2023. The agency’s recent report highlights 221 cases recorded from January 2024 to present, with 66% of the survivors being girls. Disturbingly, some of the victims are as young as one year old, with 16 survivors under five.
Additionally, UNICEF documented 77 other cases of sexual assault against children, mainly attempted rape, without revealing the identities of the perpetrators. The UN’s report on children and armed conflict in Sudan verified multiple violations attributed to various groups, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and associated militias.
The violence is pervasive, occurring throughout nine states, especially when victims are fleeing conflict or engaged in daily tasks. Reports indicate that armed men often invade homes, assaulting girls in front of family members or committing gang rapes. One witness recounted a harrowing incident involving a crying girl being sexually assaulted in a separate room.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram stated that the reported figures represent “only the tip of the iceberg,” highlighting the difficulty survivors face in reporting due to societal stigma, lack of access to resources, and fear of retaliation. Boys, in particular, encounter unique barriers which deter them from disclosing sexual abuse incidents.
The ongoing violence has displaced many women and girls, pushing them into communities where they face increased assault risks. Furthermore, incidents of sexual exploitation have emerged in internally displaced persons (IDP) sites, where individuals in power demand sexual favors in exchange for essential services. The lack of medical and psychological support due to funding cuts exacerbates the situation.
UNICEF’s emergency response efforts have suffered from funding freezes, impacting services for victims. Reports indicate that less than 2% of the UN’s Sudan Humanitarian Fund goes to local women-led organizations providing vital support to survivors of sexual violence, further highlighting the urgent need for increased resources and assistance in these crisis conditions.
The UNICEF report underscores the alarming extent of sexual violence against children in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict. With numerous reported cases, particularly affecting girls and younger children, the entrenched culture of stigma and fear complicates survivors’ ability to seek help. The urgent need for funding and support for survivors is made evident, alongside the call for accountability regarding the perpetrators of these crimes.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
