UN Report Reveals Widespread Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan War 

A report released by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has documented the extensive use of conflict-related sexual violence during the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023. The report verified 546 incidents across 16 of Sudan’s 18 states, affecting at least 838 victims, the overwhelming majority of whom were women and girls. The UN emphasized that these figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual number of cases due to underreporting, insecurity, and the stigma associated with sexual violence. 

The report found that sexual violence has been systematically used to terrorize civilians and has accompanied the spread of armed conflict and displacement. Documented abuses include rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced prostitution, sexual torture, and trafficking for sexual exploitation. Children were among the victims, with the youngest reported survivor being nine years old. The UN also noted evidence suggesting that some of these acts, particularly in Darfur, may constitute crimes against humanity under international law and called for independent investigations, accountability, reparations for victims, and immediate measures to prevent further atrocities. 

Legal significance 

The report underscores that conflict-related sexual violence is not merely an individual criminal act but a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian norms. The systematic use of rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and other forms of sexual violence during armed conflict inflicts long-term physical, psychological, and social harm on victims while undermining peace, security, and community cohesion. Such acts demand accountability through impartial investigations and effective justice mechanisms to prevent a culture of impunity. 

The findings also highlight the collective responsibility of governments, international organizations, humanitarian agencies, and the global community to protect civilians, particularly women and children, during armed conflicts. Strengthening survivor-centred support systems, ensuring access to medical care, psychosocial assistance, legal remedies, and reparations, and promoting international cooperation in documenting and prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence are essential to safeguarding human dignity and preventing the recurrence of such atrocities. 

📰 Source: United Nations (English)