UN warns of systematic rape in Sudan conflict

As Sudan‘s devastating conflict enters its second year, a senior UN official has warned that sexual violence is increasingly being used as a weapon of war.

Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for UN Women, speaking via video link from Port Sudan on Tuesday, reported a 288% surge in the need for emergency support for survivors of rape and sexual violence.

“We are beginning to see the systematic use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Women’s bodies have turned into a battleground,” Mutavati said, without assigning blame to any specific party involved in the conflict.

Fighting between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, RSF, began in April 2023, shattering hopes for a transition to democracy. The war has displaced millions and ravaged regions such as Darfur, where the RSF continues to fight for control while the army pushes forward in Khartoum.

Mutavati warned that the real extent of the violence may be far worse than reported: “This is just the tip of the iceberg. Not everyone is coming forward due to shame and the persistent culture of victim-blaming surrounding rape and gang rape.”

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A UN fact-finding mission in 2024 described the levels of sexual violence, including child rape, as “staggering.” The RSF and its allied militias were identified as responsible for most of the documented cases. However, gathering accurate data from army-held areas remains difficult due to limited access and security concerns.

Mohamed Refaat, head of the International Organisation for Migration’s Sudan mission, shared deeply disturbing testimonies from survivors in Khartoum. Some women reported being sexually assaulted in front of their injured husbands and children.

“It is the first time in my life I have seen women who have been abused to that extent,” Refaat said.

In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, the United Kingdom is co-hosting an international conference in London to improve coordination of aid and diplomatic efforts. However, Sudan’s foreign minister criticised the inclusion of the UAE and Kenya in the talks, arguing that Sudan itself should have been directly involved.

NAN