A UNICEF report reveals alarming cases of sexual violence against children in Sudan’s conflict, with victims as young as one year old. The data is believed to be an underrepresentation of the crisis due to societal stigma and fear. UNICEF calls for adherence to international law and highlights the dire need for immediate action to combat these atrocities.
In a disturbing report by UNICEF, children under five, including infants, are victims of sexual violence amid the conflict in Sudan. The data, gathered by Sudan-based organizations, indicates that of 221 registered cases of sexual violence involving minors, 16 involved children under five years old, with four of these being only one year old. Approximately one-third of the victims are male, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis.
This database, while extensive, likely represents only a small fraction of actual cases, as stigma, fear of reprisals, and limited medical access hinder reporting. Many survivors face severe repercussions, including rejection from their families, often compounded by the trauma of their experiences.
Survivors have described harrowing experiences, with one individual recounting the abduction of young girls by armed men, stating, “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.” The report underscores the alarming conditions under which these crimes occur, with victims returned in extremely distressed conditions.
UNICEF has refrained from specifying those responsible for these atrocious acts but has urged all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international law. In response to the widespread violence, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, “Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action.”
Since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), severe humanitarian issues have emerged, including mass displacement and hunger. A UN fact-finding mission characterized the levels of sexual violence as “staggering,” primarily attributing the majority of incidents to the RSF and its allies. Reports also indicate that women have frequently been victims of targeted gang rapes by RSF and allied militia.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk recently reported that more than half of Zimbabwe’s reported rape cases are categorized as gang rapes, suggesting that sexual violence is being weaponized in this conflict. Though the RSF has previously claimed intentions to investigate these allegations, many remain skeptical regarding their commitment to ensuring justice.
The conflict in Sudan has led to shocking levels of sexual violence against children, with UNICEF highlighting the urgent need for action. The evidence suggests a systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, primarily by the RSF. The situation calls for immediate international intervention and accountability for the perpetrators to ensure the safety and security of affected populations, especially the most vulnerable.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
