Increasing Sexual Violence in Sudan

The conflict in Sudan has forced over 3 million people to flee. Of these numbers, the UN estimates that over 53,000 women are currently pregnant. The journey for safety is rarely an easy one, and this conflict is having disastrous effects on women and girls. Sexual assault and exploitation has increased and there is little operating infrastructure that addresses this, leaving an estimated 4.2 million women and girls vulnerable and unprotected in their move for refuge.

The war in Sudan has been ongoing since its start in April of this year. The fighting has forced many to flee to neighboring countries like South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia or remain in Sudan and find safer areas. Whatever an individual chooses, the path to finding peace has been anything but safe. The violence is not only on the battlefield, but also on these transit routes. Reports of sexual abuse have increased on paths where people hope to seek refuge. Many report rampant sexual violence on their journeys and little services that help them in the aftermath.

The risk is also high for girls who stay in their homes. A woman reported going to South Sudan while her three daughters stayed behind in Sudan. Upon her return, she learned that all three had been gang raped, with her youngest one unconscious on the side of the road. The youngest later died at the hospital as a result of being beaten and raped. This occurrence is all too common for women and girls in Sudan. Not just the threat of sexual violence, but the lack of healthcare. Many cannot access health services and this includes reproductive care. Countless women have been forced to give birth in dangerous conditions where there are no medical professionals to assist if any problems arise. More efforts are being made to ensure safe births for pregnant women and girls. 

Unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections are only going to increase as the crisis goes on. The war on the ground has become a war on women and girls. This is not the first time sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, and without effort, it will grow worse. It is more common to hear that a woman or child was sexually abused on their journey for refuge than not. It is common to hear that a person was killed on their journey for refuge. Abusers know that many are fleeing and they are taking advantage of this vulnerability. The border crossing is the setting of much violence. Women and girls are paying the price for a war they had no part in creating.

More protective measures must be enacted for the safe passage of women and girls. Safety is a human right. Body autonomy does not disappear in war. Sexual violence cannot be dismissed as a part of war. The fight against gender-based violence is constant and does not depend on times of war or peace. Every person deserves to feel safe. We call on the international community to shine a light on Sudan and take efforts to better protect the women and girls seeking safety. 

#NoSexualViolence

#SudanWar

Additional Sources:

https://www.unfpa.org/news/sexual-violence-stalks-women-and-girls-fleeing-sudan-south-sudan

https://www.unfpa.org/sudan-conflict-tragedy-women-and-girls%E2%80%99-rights