Renew Europe Condemns Atrocities Against Women and Children in Sudan

The Renew Europe Group condemns sexual violence in Sudan, particularly against women and children. The article highlights UNICEF findings on the prevalence of gender-based violence. The group calls for EU action, including support for International Criminal Court investigations, increased humanitarian aid, and sanctions on rights violators. MEP Hilde Vautmans stresses the need for Europe to respond effectively to these crises.

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament has issued a strong condemnation of the rampant sexual violence employed as a weapon of war in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, particularly affecting women and children. They call upon the European Council to implement targeted measures and sanctions against those responsible for egregious human rights violations.

As reported by UNICEF, approximately 12.1 million individuals are at risk of gender-based violence, including 221 documented cases of rape involving children, with 16 victims being under the age of five. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, Renew Europe has introduced an urgent resolution calling for the EU and its member states to support the International Criminal Court’s investigations into genocide and war crimes in Darfur. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of increasing humanitarian aid for Sudan and its neighboring nations while ensuring adequate funding for survivors of sexual violence.

It is imperative that all parties in the conflict guarantee safe and unhindered access for humanitarian entities, such as the World Food Programme, since two-thirds of Sudan’s population is currently at risk of severe humanitarian needs.

MEP Hilde Vautmans, the Renew Europe Group’s coordinator in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, articulated a passionate plea for immediate action. She highlighted the destructiveness of sexual violence on societal foundations and called for Europe to take decisive responsibility in addressing the atrocities. Vautmans urged for sanctions against war criminals and reinforced the need for a comprehensive arms embargo to protect women and children from violence.

In conclusion, the Renew Europe Group firmly advocates for an end to the atrocities being inflicted upon women and children in Sudan. They emphasize the urgency of international support for investigations into human rights violations and the provision of humanitarian aid. The call for targeted sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence marks a crucial step towards protecting vulnerable populations and promoting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.reneweuropegroup.eu