Sudan: Experts call for immediate support for survivors of gender-based violence and an end to targeting of women first responders and human rights defenders

GENEVA – UN experts* warned today of the devastating lack of adeq¬¬uate care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan, including sexual and reproductive health care and psychosocial care, alongside the targeting of human rights defenders and first responders who document violations and provide services to survivors.

They expressed their grave concern for the many documented cases of sexual abuse, rape—including gang rape— enforced prostitution, sexual slavery, kidnapping, enforced disappearances and/or unlawful killings by the Rapid Support Forces and other armed groups. These violations are occurring amidst catastrophic levels of humanitarian crisis within Sudan, which have resulted in the displacement of more than 7.9 million people.

The experts called all parties to the conflict to immediately cease attacks against women first responders and human rights defenders. From January to June 2024, at least nine women human rights defenders and activists were targeted by parties to the conflict.

“The layers of violence, including the arbitrary detention, arrests, violations of due process and fair trial, and killings of women first responders and rights defenders, are appalling and perpetuate a chilling effect on the delivery of services and processes to ensure documentation of human rights violations, accountability and justice,” the experts said. They called for an end to the violence, improved humanitarian access to the affected population, and a swift and effective investigation of human rights violations.

At least 6.7 million people are still at risk of gender-based violence in Sudan, with internally displaced, refugee and migrant women and girls being particularly vulnerable.

“The lack of care, stigma, and administrative barriers, including in accessing medical and trauma services, rape kits, emergency contraception, and safe abortion performed by medical professionals, have resulted in dire consequences for survivors and repeated cycles of violence. For survivors who have carried pregnancies to term, pre-and post-partum services are scarce, insecure, or entirely inaccessible,” the experts regretted.

The experts emphasized that all parties to the conflict must ensure the meaningful leadership and participation of women in the conflict resolution process in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1325.

“Women are continuing to raise their voice to call for a ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and effective monitoring of both. Women’s meaningful participation must be advanced as a matter of their rights and in order to achieve lasting and sustainable peace,” they said.

They have communicated these concerns to the Government of Sudan and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).