Warring parties committing ‘widespread sexual violence’ in Sudan: HRW

Widespread Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Sudan’s Conflict

Introduction

The warring parties in the conflict in Sudan have engaged in widespread sexual and gender-based violence in the capital Khartoum, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday. This report highlights the urgent need to address the issue of sexual violence in Sudan and align it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

Since the start of the civil war in April 2023, forces commanded by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regularly carried out rape and gang rape, among other crimes. The report also noted numerous attacks on health facilities and staff.

The report, based on interviews with service providers, including healthcare and social workers, counsellors, and lawyers, who directly interacted with hundreds of survivors of sexual violence in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman, sheds light on the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in Sudan.

Findings

The report finds that women and girls, ranging from ages nine through to at least 60, have been subjected to widespread sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. Forced marriage and child marriage have also been prevalent. Additionally, men and boys have also been victims of sexual violence.

Most cases were attributed to paramilitary RSF forces, which embedded themselves in many areas of the capital during the early days of the war. However, numerous crimes were also attributed to the army.

Particularly high levels of sexual violence were reported in populated areas of Khartoum North and Omdurman, including by SAF after it regained control of parts of Omdurman in January 2024.

Survivors reported being raped by multiple perpetrators, sometimes involving up to five RSF fighters. Women and girls were seized from their homes, streets, and workplaces, and detained or confined in homes and other facilities occupied by the warring parties.

Forced and child marriage were also prevalent, with some relatives agreeing to such marriages in hopes of protecting the women or girls from rape outside the marriage or for financial reasons.

Tragically, many survivors have been left with immense physical, emotional, social, and psychological scars after suffering sexual and gender-based violence. In at least four cases, the physical injuries suffered by victims led to death.

Access to abortion care was also limited for survivors who sought to terminate their pregnancies resulting from rape.

MSF Report

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed widespread sexual violence across Sudan, especially in the Darfur region, where the RSF has also engaged in acts constituting ethnic cleansing.

Conclusion

The conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of more than 10 million people since April 2023, according to the United Nations. The warring parties continue to vie for control of Sudan, and the situation shows no signs of immediate resolution.

Addressing the issue of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The issue of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan, specifically in the capital Khartoum, is directly connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The widespread sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan is also connected to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article mentions the physical, emotional, social, and psychological scars left on survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article highlights the vulnerability and victimization of women and girls, as well as the displacement of millions of people due to the conflict in Sudan. This relates to SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres

The article discusses the widespread sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, faced by women and girls in Sudan. This aligns with Target 5.2 of SDG 5.

Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

The article highlights the acts of violence committed by the warring parties in Sudan, including sexual violence, attacks on health facilities, and the physical injuries suffered by victims. This relates to Target 16.1 of SDG 16.

Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information, and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs

The article mentions the limited access to abortion care for survivors who sought to terminate their pregnancies resulting from rape. This connects to Target 3.7 of SDG 3.

Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

The article highlights the displacement of over 10 million people due to the conflict in Sudan, indicating the need to address inequalities and promote inclusion. This aligns with Target 10.2 of SDG 10.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the following indicators can be relevant:

Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 5.2 of SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Indicator 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological, or sexual violence in the previous 12 months

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.1 of SDG 16, which focuses on reducing all forms of violence and related death rates.

Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.7 of SDG 3, which aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2 of SDG 10, which seeks to promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com