Human Rights Watch Reports Alarming Sexual Violence in Sudan

(Nairobi, July 29, 2024) – A new report by Human Rights Watch highlights the alarming prevalence of sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, particularly in the capital, Khartoum. The report, titled “Khartoum is Not Safe for Women,” details widespread acts of rape, including gang rapes, and forced marriages perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the onset of the current conflict. Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the severity of these crimes, stating that countless women and girls have been victimized in residential areas. The report is based on interviews with 42 healthcare providers, social workers, and local responders conducted between September 2023 and February 2024. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one 20-year-old woman revealing her fear of RSF raids, which often lead to sexual violence. The RSF's actions have not only targeted civilians but have also obstructed access to essential healthcare for survivors, further compounding the crisis. Human Rights Watch asserts that the systematic nature of these attacks may qualify as crimes against humanity under international law. The report also condemns the obstruction of humanitarian aid and attacks on healthcare workers as violations of international humanitarian law, categorizing them as war crimes. The organization calls for urgent action from the United Nations and the African Union to protect vulnerable populations and hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities. The full report is available for further insights into the ongoing crisis in Sudan.