Since the beginning of the war in Sudan, UNICEF reports that over 200 children have been raped, including infants as young as one year old. The agency documented 221 cases of rape and 77 sexual assault attempts, predominantly affecting girls. The violence is widespread, occurring during conflict and in daily activities, with survivors facing significant barriers to reporting these crimes and accessing necessary support services.
In a recent report, UNICEF revealed that over 200 children, including infants as young as one, have been victims of rape in Sudan since the onset of the war in April 2023. The agency documented 221 cases of child rape and an additional 77 attempts at sexual assault. Alarmingly, 66 percent of the victims are girls, with 16 children under five years of age, highlighting the severe impact of conflict on the young.
The report offers a harrowing insight into the widespread sexual violence occurring in nine Sudanese states. Victims often face attacks while fleeing danger or engaging in daily activities. Disturbingly, armed individuals have assaulted girls in front of family members, and accounts describe horrific incidents, such as young girls being taken from others and brutally raped.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram indicated that the actual numbers might be much higher. Many survivors and their families avoid reporting due to societal stigma and fear of retaliation from armed groups. Boys face additional challenges regarding the reporting of sexual abuse, while girls may endure societal rejection if they become pregnant as a result of such assaults.
The ongoing violence has led many women and girls to seek refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where the risk of sexual violence increases significantly. The report indicates that while armed groups are responsible for many attacks, sexual exploitation within displaced communities is also rising, with some being victimized by individuals in power who demand sexual favors in exchange for vital services.
Support for survivors remains limited, with critical medical and psychological services lacking due to funding cuts. UNICEF’s emergency response efforts have been hindered, and local organizations dedicated to aiding survivors of sexual violence receive minimal financial support from international funds. The situation calls for urgent attention and intervention to address the escalating violence and the needs of survivors in Sudan.
The report by UNICEF presents a grim picture of the sexual violence rampant among children in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict. The staggering number of cases, particularly involving young girls and infants, underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support for survivors. Efforts to combat societal stigma and enhance service accessibility are essential to mitigate the impact of this tragedy on vulnerable populations. Immediate action and funding are crucial to provide necessary medical and psychological support for survivors of these heinous acts.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
