Sexual violence in Sudan has reached “systematic” levels, with rape increasingly deployed as a weapon of war by armed groups, according to the United Nations. Since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), UN agencies have documented hundreds of cases of sexual violence, including against children as young as 12, with many victims dying from untreated injuries. The crisis has deepened displacement, with over 6.1 million people internally displaced and 1.1 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as of May 2024.
Survivors describe being targeted in front of family members, with some forced to watch as attackers raped others. “This is not just a war crime—it’s a deliberate strategy to break communities,” said UN officials in a recent briefing. The UN Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) has warned that impunity for perpetrators remains rampant, with few arrests or prosecutions reported.
The use of sexual violence as a tactic aligns with patterns documented in other conflicts, including Myanmar’s Rohingya crisis and the Central African Republic, where rape was used to “cleanse” ethnic or religious groups. In Sudan, however, the scale and speed of the escalation have shocked even seasoned human rights observers. “We’re seeing a level of coordination that suggests this is being directed from above,” said Amnesty International in a May 2024 report.
UN agencies are calling for urgent action, including the deployment of international monitors and support for local women’s organizations documenting abuses. The African Union has also demanded an end to impunity, though no concrete measures have been implemented.
Why Is Sexual Violence Being Used as a Weapon in Sudan?
Experts cite multiple factors driving the surge in sexual violence. First, the lack of a functioning government in Sudan since the October 2021 coup has created a power vacuum, allowing armed groups to operate with near-total impunity. Second, the cultural stigma around reporting such crimes—compounded by the shame victims often feel—means many cases go unreported.
Additionally, the UN’s Rapid Response Mechanism has documented how armed groups use sexual violence to force civilians from their homes, creating “ghost towns” where entire communities flee. “This is not just about individual atrocities—it’s a calculated strategy to reshape demographics,” said a UN official familiar with the investigations.
Key figures:
- Over 6.1 million internally displaced since April 2023 (UNHCR, May 2024)
- More than 500 verified cases of sexual violence documented by UN agencies (as of April 2024)
- At least 12 cases involving children under 18, including girls as young as 12 (Human Rights Watch)
Who Is Affected—and How?
The victims of sexual violence in Sudan span all demographics, but women and girls—particularly in Darfur, Khartoum, and the Kordofan regions—are disproportionately targeted. In some areas, entire families have been displaced multiple times, with survivors reporting being raped during forced displacements. “We’ve seen women and girls attacked while fleeing, in makeshift camps, and even in hospitals,” said a medical worker with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Psychological trauma is widespread, with many survivors developing PTSD, depression, and chronic pain from untreated injuries. UN agencies report that only 5% of survivors receive any form of medical or psychological support, leaving most to suffer in silence.
The economic toll is equally devastating. With entire communities displaced, livelihoods have been destroyed, and food insecurity has worsened. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that 7.1 million people are facing acute food shortages, with women-headed households at highest risk.
What Is the International Response So Far?
The UN Security Council has condemned the use of sexual violence in Sudan, but no binding resolutions have been passed to hold perpetrators accountable. The African Union has called for an international criminal investigation, but logistics and political divisions have stalled progress.
Humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach victims. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that only 30% of aid convoys reach their intended destinations due to fighting and blockades. Local women’s groups, such as the Sudan Women’s Union, are filling the gap but operate with minimal funding.
In contrast, the UN’s Rapid Response Mechanism has documented how some armed groups recruit child soldiers, some as young as 12, to carry out attacks—including sexual violence—against civilians. “This is a cycle of violence that must be broken,” said a UN official.
What Happens Next?
The next critical checkpoint is the UN Security Council’s June 2024 session on Sudan, where diplomats are expected to discuss:
- A mandate for an international criminal investigation into war crimes, including sexual violence.
- Increased funding for UNITAMS and humanitarian agencies operating in Sudan.
- A potential arms embargo on groups accused of sexual violence.
Meanwhile, local activists are pushing for a national truth commission to document abuses, though no timeline has been set. The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has also called for mandated human rights monitors to be deployed.
How Can the Public Help?
Individuals can support survivors and pressure for accountability through:
- Donating to verified aid organizations, such as:
- Contacting governments to demand action on the UN Security Council resolution.
- Amplifying survivor voices through social media and petitions.
The crisis in Sudan demands urgent global attention. While the UN and humanitarian partners work to document abuses and provide aid, the scale of the challenge requires sustained political will—and public pressure—to prevent further atrocities.
Maria Petrova is the World Editor at World Today Journal, covering geopolitical conflicts and human rights. She holds an MA in International Relations from Sofia University and has reported from conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East.
What’s next? The UN Security Council’s June session on Sudan will be critical. Follow updates via UNITAMS and ReliefWeb. Have you seen firsthand accounts of sexual violence in Sudan? Share your insights in the comments below.