Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has become alarmingly widespread in Sudan, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war that began in April 2023. Women and girls, in particular, have borne the brunt of this violence, facing atrocities such as rape, gang rape, forced marriage, and sexual captivity. Men and boys have also been victims, though to a lesser extent.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have both been implicated in these crimes, with reports of systematic sexual violence in Khartoum and its surrounding areas. Survivors have described harrowing experiences, including being assaulted by multiple perpetrators and enduring prolonged captivity. In some cases, families have been subjected to collective trauma, with multiple members assaulted in front of one another.
The humanitarian response has been severely hindered by the conflict. Many survivors lack access to essential post-rape care due to the destruction of healthcare facilities, restricted movement, and deliberate targeting of hospitals by warring factions. The stigma surrounding sexual violence further discourages survivors from seeking help, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
Despite these challenges, women-led organizations and local volunteers continue to provide critical support to survivors, often at great personal risk. Their efforts include offering medical care, psychological support, and safe spaces for those affected. However, the scale of the crisis far exceeds the resources available, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and accountability for these heinous acts.
The widespread interruption of internet, communication networks, and electricity has significantly impacted the ability of healthcare institutions to provide their services. The deliberate shutdown of communication networks by the army in conflict zones and in areas under the control of the Rapid Support Forces has further hindered the ability of women and girls who have survived sexual violence to report incidents or access services.
Weak network coverage and restricted movement have also impaired the efforts of volunteers to coordinate, document, and share information across different areas. Providers of psychological assistance for survivors rely heavily on telephone or internet-based therapy. However, the ongoing disruptions and prolonged outages have severely limited the survivors’ access to the essential psychological care they need.
The international response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is proving insufficient in fulfilling the global community’s commitments to safeguarding civilians and providing life-saving aid. Efforts to establish any form of humanitarian ceasefire over the past months have failed. Moreover, assistance aimed at protecting women and girls in conflict-affected areas has addressed only a small fraction of the pressing needs.
