The United Nations has raised a grave alarm over the escalating sexual violence against women in war-torn Sudan, with the humanitarian chief describing the situation as an “epidemic.” Tom Fletcher, head of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), expressed deep shame over the global failure to protect women caught in the conflict, which has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced since April 2023.
Speaking during his first visit to Port Sudan, the city that has become the country’s de facto capital amidst ongoing conflict between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Fletcher emphasized the urgent need for global action. He condemned the widespread abuse faced by women, acknowledging the deep emotional and psychological toll it has taken.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to protect you, and I feel ashamed for what my fellow men have done,” Fletcher remarked, highlighting the widespread abuse, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, which the UN’s fact-finding mission has documented across Sudan. The mission reported that sexual violence has become a systemic issue, affecting women and girls of all ages.
As the war continues to ravage the nation, Sudan faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with nearly 26 million people at risk of starvation. The conflict has forced more than 11 million people from their homes, and both sides have been accused of using hunger as a weapon of war. Despite this, humanitarian organizations are struggling with bureaucratic restrictions imposed by Sudan’s army-aligned government, making aid delivery extremely difficult.
Fletcher, who met with army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan during his visit, urged for a better coordinated international response to address the urgent humanitarian needs, particularly for women and children who are suffering disproportionately from violence. He stressed that the international community must act swiftly to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations caught in the conflict.
The ongoing sexual violence crisis in Sudan demands immediate attention, with the UN calling for more support and resources to help the survivors and prevent further atrocities. The situation remains dire, with an overwhelming need for global intervention to protect Sudanese women and girls from further abuse.