In the ongoing Sudan conflict, two United Nations officials are emphasizing the need for increased international involvement in the fight against sexual violence targeting women and girls.
Addressing the issue, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, alongside Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya and special representative on sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten, highlighted the severity of the situation.
According to Dujarric, instances of rape, forced marriage, sexual slavery, and human trafficking of women and girls persist, particularly in regions like Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan.
The duo is urging nations to send a clear message affirming protection for civilians in Sudan under international humanitarian law, emphasizing the necessity to prevent acts of sexual violence that could amount to war crimes globally.
Furthermore, reports on sexual violence underscore the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women and girls, exposing millions of civilians, especially those seeking refuge within Sudan and neighboring countries, to heightened risks.
Despite these alarming trends, the complete extent of the crisis in Sudan remains largely undisclosed.