Sudan commemorates the anniversary of the onset of its second civil war in Khartoum since April 15, 2023, resulting in systemic rape, thousands of deaths, and mass displacement, with over 18 million, equivalent to 37 percent of the population, facing hunger. Violent clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (ASF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) triggered this crisis.
According to UNICEF, Sudan is now grappling with a humanitarian catastrophe, endangering the health and well-being of approximately 24 million children, with vulnerable families pushed deeper into hardship. Initially emerging from the war spanning 1983 to 2005, Sudan was already a recipient of humanitarian aid due to cultural, religious, and ethnic conflicts, resulting in death and displacement, with some settling in the Kakuma Refugee Camp.
The United Nations reports widespread human rights violations in Sudan, including killings, displacement, and sexual assaults, with over 18 million facing acute food insecurity, affecting more than half of the population (49 million people) in need. Women and girls bear the brunt of the conflict, with approximately 6.7 million at risk of Gender-Based Violence, 7,000 new mothers facing health and nutritional constraints, and others trafficked, raped, and sexually exploited.
Sulaim Ishaq Elkhalifa, Head of Sudan’s government unit combating violence against women, emphasized Gender-Based Violence as a devastating consequence of the civil war, exacerbated by economic struggles and limited access to essential services. She highlighted women and young girls facing early marriages, rape, sexual slavery, and kidnapping, with their plight largely overlooked regionally and internationally. “The most devastating issues arising is women carrying the war burdens. They get sexually assaulted, raped and kidnapped because they have no jobs to sustain their needs,and their property are looted but this hasn’t gotten the attention neither regionally or internationally.” She said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the conflict’s impact on the Sudanese people, citing mass killings and displacement as indicative of a war waged against civilians.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addressing the press. 15/4/2024,
He denounced sexual violence against women and girls and attacks on aid convoys, labeling indiscriminate attacks as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. “Indiscriminate attacks that are killing, injuring and terrorizing civilians and could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.” He concluded.
As Sudan continues to grapple with rising casualties, displacement, and hunger, increased humanitarian assistance is crucial, particularly for the most affected populations—women, girls, and children.
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