A UNICEF report has highlighted that over 200 children have been raped in Sudan amid the ongoing conflict, with a significant proportion of victims being young girls. This situation reflects widespread impunity and societal barriers that prevent reporting and accessing necessary services, leaving survivors vulnerable and unsupported.
UNICEF has revealed that more than 200 children in Sudan have been victims of rape since the conflict escalated in April 2023, with the report detailing 221 cases involving children up to 2024. Alarmingly, a significant proportion, 66 percent, of these survivors are girls — 16 of whom are under five years old, including four infants. Additionally, there have been 77 reported cases of sexual assault involving children, primarily attempted rapes.
The report highlights the disturbing nature of this violence, which occurs in various contexts, including during armed attacks on communities, as families flee danger, and even during routine activities like fetching water. Perpetrators are usually unidentified; however, the report attributes a majority of violations to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and associated militias. Witness accounts describe harrowing instances where girls are attacked in their own homes, often in the presence of family members.
Tess Ingram, the UNICEF spokesperson, stated that these figures signify “only the tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that many cases remain unreported due to fear of retribution, societal stigma, and a lack of accessible support services. This situation is compounded for boys, who face unique challenges when it comes to reporting sexual abuse, while girls who become pregnant often face alienation from their communities.
The violence has prompted widespread displacement, with women and girls fleeing into internally displaced persons (IDP) communities where the risk of sexual violence increases. The report notes a troubling rise in sexual exploitation within these communities, often perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority who manipulate their power to demand sexual favors in exchange for services.
Survivors of sexual violence face severe challenges in accessing medical and psychological support due to limited services and a shortfall in funding, particularly amidst cuts to US aid, which have severely impacted available resources. Emergency response facilities set up by UNICEF are particularly affected by these funding restrictions, leading to closures and diminished support for victims. Furthermore, local organizations that assist survivors receive a mere fraction of the humanitarian funding necessary for effective operation.
The UNICEF report underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan on children, especially girls, highlighting alarming instances of sexual violence which remain largely unreported due to societal barriers. Displacement continues to exacerbate these issues, creating dangerous environments for vulnerable populations. Urgent action and adequate funding are critical to restoring essential support services and addressing the vast needs of survivors in Sudan.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
