HRW Reports Widespread Sexual Violence by Sudanese Paramilitaries Amid Ongoing Conflict

Human Rights Watch has accused the Sudanese paramilitary RSF of widespread sexual violence against women and girls in South Kordofan amid ongoing conflict with the army. Documented cases indicate grave war crimes, prompting calls for urgent international intervention to protect civilians and ensure accountability for these abuses. The dire humanitarian conditions have displaced millions and resulted in significant casualties.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have been perpetrating extensive sexual violence in southern Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces. This latest report highlights the grave humanitarian situation in the country and details numerous documented incidents involving women and girls aged seven to 50 who suffered from acts including gang rape and sexual slavery since September 2023, particularly in South Kordofan state.

The organization indicates that many attacks, described as war crimes, have remained largely underreported, affecting primarily ethnic Nuba civilians. Human Rights Watch has emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable for these crimes. Survivors have recounted horrifying experiences, ranging from gang rapes occurring in their homes to prolonged periods of sexual slavery in captivity.

The conflict in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with reports of tens of thousands dead, eight million displaced internally, and millions more crossing into neighboring countries in search of refuge. The UN’s humanitarian chief has sounded alarms over the prevalence of sexual violence, terming it an epidemic. HRW is advocating for an international response by the United Nations and the African Union to provide immediate support for civilians in Sudan and to uphold justice for the victims of these crimes.

The conflict in Sudan has emerged as one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, having escalated from previous tensions into a complex war involving various factions, including the armed forces and the paramilitary RSF. The RSF has been implicated in various human rights abuses, including sexual violence, which has been reported by several human rights organizations. The situation in South Kordofan, a region ensnared in conflict and largely under the control of rebel factions, particularly concerns civilian safety due to reported attacks on ethnic groups. The humanitarian situation is dire, compounded by mass displacements and extreme violence against vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.

Human Rights Watch’s latest report underscores the alarming prevalence of sexual violence perpetrated by Sudanese paramilitary forces, revealing a critical humanitarian crisis that demands immediate global attention. The testimonies of survivors and the documented patterns of abuse emphasize the necessity for decisive international action to protect civilians and pursue justice for the victims. As the conflict continues, the need for safeguarding vulnerable populations and addressing the underlying causes of such violence is more urgent than ever.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com