A United Nations report has revealed a shocking trend of one -year-olds among survivors of rape in Sudan’s violent conflict.
Data gathered by gender-based violence service providers paints a devasting reality, with 221 cases of child rape reported since the beginning of 2024.
Of the reported 221 child rape survivors, 147, or 66 per cent, are girls while 33 per cent are boys.
Unicef says “there are 16 survivors under 5 years of age, including four one-year olds.”
These incidents occurred during city invasions, while fleeing danger, and when individuals were held by armed groups.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized “Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action,”
“Millions of children in Sudan are at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence, which is being used as a tactic of war. This is an abhorrent violation of international law and could constitute a war crime. It must stop.”
The cases were reported in nine states in Sudan, from south to north and east to west. In addition, there were 77 reported cases of sexual assault against children, primarily attempted rape cases.
According Unicef, challenges that hinder reporting includes limited access to services, fear of stigma, potential rejection from family or community, threats of retaliation from armed groups, and concerns over confidentiality.
The UN has called for immediate action against gender-based violence including the use of sexual violence as weapon of war to cease without delay.
They also pushing for infrastructure and service providers that deliver essential services to be safeguarded to allow their lifesaving work to continue.
Humanitarian workers are also urged to carry out their vital tasks safely and families should have secure access to the support they need.
Live saving initiatives should be the focus of funding for Gender-Based Violence. (GBV)
Unicef also demanded that the Government of Sudan and all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians, especially children emphasizing gender-based violence, including sexual violence as a tactic of war, must end immediately.
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