Human Rights Watch Accuses Sudanese Paramilitary of Sexual Violence Amid Ongoing Conflict

CAIRO – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in Sudan's civil war, of widespread sexual violence against women, including gang rapes and forced marriages of girls. The report also implicates the Sudanese military in similar acts of sexual violence. HRW is urging the United Nations and the African Union to establish a joint mission aimed at protecting civilians as the conflict, which has persisted for over 15 months, shows no signs of resolution. Laetitia Bader, HRW's deputy Africa director, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that countless women and girls in residential areas of Khartoum have been victims of sexual violence. The report details how both warring factions have obstructed survivors' access to essential medical care and humanitarian aid, with the military allegedly restricting supplies to RSF-controlled regions since October 2022. The ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in the largest displacement crisis globally, displacing over 11 million people. The report documents incidents of sexual violence and forced marriages in Khartoum and surrounding areas, with healthcare providers reporting care for 262 survivors aged between nine and 60. An unnamed 20-year-old woman expressed her fear of RSF raids, illustrating the pervasive climate of terror. While an RSF spokesman denied allegations of occupying medical facilities, HRW criticized the lack of credible investigations into these claims. In a recent attack by the RSF in al-Fasher, at least 31 civilians were killed and 66 injured, prompting condemnation from U.N. officials. The humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed concern over the unexpected violence in a region that had recently experienced relative calm.