Renew Europe condemned the use of mass sexual violence in Sudan, emphasizing the risk to women and children. MEPs called for the EU’s support of ICC investigations, enhanced humanitarian aid, and funding for survivors. UNICEF reported high levels of gender-based violence, with significant cases among children. Hilde Vautmans MEP demands EU sanctions on war criminals and the enforcement of the UN arms embargo.
Renew Europe has issued a strong condemnation of the widespread sexual violence being employed as a weapon of war in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, particularly affecting women and children. In an urgent resolution presented by the group, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) urged the European Union and its Member States to actively support investigations into genocide and war crimes in Darfur, bolster humanitarian assistance to Sudan and nearby countries, and ensure proper funding for survivors of sexual violence.
UNICEF’s findings indicate that approximately 12.1 million individuals in Sudan face the threat of gender-based violence, with 221 reported cases of child rape since last year. Alarmingly, 16 of these victims were under the age of five. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict guarantee safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, such as the World Food Programme, given that two-thirds of Sudan’s population is at risk of severe food insecurity.
Hilde Vautmans MEP, who spearheaded the negotiations for the resolution, emphasized, “For far too long, Europe has looked away from what is happening in Sudan. Today, we make a clear statement, Europe must act and work towards a ceasefire. We urge Europe to impose sanctions on the war criminals, and to ensure that the UN arms embargo is effectively enforced and extended to the entire country. We have to protect all women and children from sexual violence. It must end here.”
In conclusion, the urgency of addressing the atrocities in Sudan cannot be overstated. Renew Europe’s resolution calls for concrete actions from the EU and its Member States to combat the rampant sexual violence and humanitarian crisis affecting millions. It highlights the importance of supporting legal investigations, increasing aid, and ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable in this conflict. Immediate action is essential to provide relief and safeguard the rights of women and children in Sudan.
Original Source: www.aldeparty.eu
