Khartoum – Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to combating conflict-related sexual violence and strengthening protections for women, girls and children as the country marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19.
In a statement, the government said conflict-related sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery and forced marriage, constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and requires both national and international efforts to prevent such crimes and ensure accountability.
The statement accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of using sexual violence as a weapon of war, intimidation and social disruption, saying the alleged abuses have had devastating consequences for women, girls, children and families in conflict-affected areas.
The government also condemned what it described as a “proxy war” and the military, financial and political support that it said has contributed to the continuation of the conflict, arguing that the prolonged war has worsened civilian suffering and enabled serious violations, including sexual violence.
Sudan’s authorities reiterated their commitment to implementing a national plan aimed at protecting women and girls, strengthening prevention and protection mechanisms, expanding services for survivors and pursuing accountability for perpetrators.
The statement comes as the United Nations and international human rights organizations have documented allegations of conflict-related sexual violence since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF in April 2023.
UN agencies and rights groups have repeatedly warned that women and girls remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by the conflict, while calling for greater protection measures, accountability and support services for survivors.
The conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with millions of people forced from their homes and humanitarian needs continuing to rise across large parts of the country.
