According to a UN official, Sudanese women are regularly uprooted and face risks when migrating. A Sudanese woman speaking to the media, sexual abuse occurs against women who are fleeing displacement and against those who are jailed while migrating.
Violence and sexual assault are common tools of war used by groups fighting the Sudanese civil war since April last year.
In an interview with an international media outlet, a UN Mission in Sudan staff member provided commentary on allegations of sexual abuse against women in the country. She said that a great deal of women had been forced to flee their homes as a result of the fighting, and a great deal of them had also been compelled to relocate abroad on their own since their husbands had been killed.
According to her, Sudanese women have experienced repeated displacement and confront a variety of threats while traveling. “There are also a lot of missing persons. They are unaware of what has become of their relatives and friends. They moved both inside and outside several times, the woman claimed.
She also mentioned how mothers are frequently left to care for large families’ numbers of children on their own. She pointed out that women who lost husbands in the fighting endure terrible circumstances, with their families and lives being completely destroyed.
In order to avoid judgment, women conceal sexual violence
She claimed that numerous reports of abuses targeting women in the ongoing war have been made to the UN mission.
She explained that women who are displaced and those who are jailed during migration experience sexual assault.
She emphasized that because of their social positions, women and girls are singled out and subjected to punishment, saying that “Sudanese women who attempted to supply assistance to those in need were additionally victims of sexual assault.”
According to the UN staff, women conceal sexual attacks to prevent social disgrace.
Because of the widespread shame associated with sexual violence in our culture, it is exceedingly challenging to evaluate the figures. Families tend to avoid discussing issues related to women and girls in general.
She continued, “Survivors of sexual abuse are shunned by society because it usually places the blame on the victim instead of the abuser.”
the UN staff stresses cause the health of female patients of sexual violence to deteriorate. It goes completely against our culture. It strongly goes against the culture of Islam. Although it goes against our culture, women are still utilized as weapons of war.
Regretfully, after speaking with powerful women and hearing their tales, they still feel uncomfortable discussing sexual assault. Political leaders need to make it clear that this is unacceptable, issue orders and comments, and see to it that those who commit crimes are prosecuted. “We need to stop this war against women’s bodies,” she continued.
The medical care system broke down
According to UN staff, hospitals in Sudan have been bombarded and left inoperable, resulting in the collapse of the country’s health care system.
She mentioned that the system of healthcare has been disrupted by the need for health personnel to leave the nation.
Women find it very difficult to obtain basic health care services, and families are forced to search for doctors on their own, she continued.
She pointed out that treating women’s health issues is extremely difficult because of the restricted access to hospitals.
“I would prefer not to get into specifics, but there are issues—physical issues, to be exact—and we know from the medical professionals that many families have already asked for their help at this point. Therefore, while healthcare is provided, it is not as well-organized as it should be since the healthcare system in conflict areas has broken down, the speaker stated.
she stated that although there have been no findings, the practice of slavery to Sudanese women for sex is being looked at.
Sudan’s civil conflict
Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year regime came to an end in Sudan 16 months ago, but the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a power war ever since the people revolted against the civilian administration.
The army is in charge of the north and east of the fight, which started in April 2023, while the RSF is powerful in the west and south. Resolutions have not been reached in peace negotiations mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, regional peace attempts spearheaded by Egypt, the IGAD’s efforts in East Africa, or talks held in Bahrain.
According to the UN, the fighting has claimed the lives of over 18,800 people, displaced over 10 million, and left over 25 million in need of emergency help.All rights reserved.