Sudanese Women under Fire: Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War and International Condemnation of Army Violations

Sudanese women are enduring severe hardships due to ongoing conflicts in the country, facing various forms of violence and abuse, including sexual violence and rape. These violations are used as a weapon of war to instill fear and dismantle the social fabric. In this context, several international organizations have condemned these crimes and called for accountability for those responsible.

• Sudanese journalist: Significant increase in violations against women and children due to the ongoing conflict

• Sudanese Army Violations Against Civilians: War Crimes Threatening the Country’s Future

Current Situation of Sudanese Women:

Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, the suffering of Sudanese women has significantly worsened. Reports indicate that sexual violence has become a common war tactic. Women face rape, abduction, and forced marriage, leading to the destruction of communities from within. They also suffer from a severe lack of essential services, including healthcare, particularly in sexual and reproductive health.

• Testimonies Reveal New Violations by the Sudanese Army in the Country

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Criticism of the Sudanese Army:

In addition to the killing of civilians, the Sudanese Armed Forces have been accused of committing acts of sexual violence. In some cases, women were forced to engage in sexual acts in exchange for food amid widespread hunger. These violations highlight a systematic pattern of violence against women by the warring factions.

• Ethnic Cleansing in Dinder… Humanitarian Tragedy Caused by the Sudanese Army

• Massacre in “Dindar”: The Sudanese Army and the Tragedy of Ethnic Cleansing Targeting Civilians

Organizations Condemning Sudanese Army Violations:

• Human Rights Watch (HRW): The organization has documented cases of executions, arbitrary detentions, and rapes committed by army forces in Al-Jazirah state. It has called for the deployment of a UN force to protect civilians.
• United Nations Fact-Finding Mission: It released a report condemning the armed forces for widespread sexual violence, including gang rapes and the abduction of women.

• The Flow of Weapons to the Sudanese Army from Foreign Sources… What Is Happening?

• Kabkabiya… Army Airstrike Claims Lives of Several Children and Women

• Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders – MSF): The organization has voiced concern over the crimes of rape perpetrated by warring factions against the Sudanese people and has provided medical and psychological support to survivors.
• Combating Violence Against Women Unit: A governmental mechanism coordinating key actors to eliminate gender-based violence in Sudan.
• Amnesty International: It has condemned sexual violence in Sudan and called for the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, in conflict areas.

These organizations agree on the urgent need to implement measures to protect Sudanese women, provide necessary support to survivors of sexual violence, and ensure accountability for perpetrators to prevent the continuation of these atrocities.

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