Data from gender -based violence service providers in Sudan reveal the scale of horror: More than 220 reported cases of children’s rape since the beginning of 2024.
“Children as young as a raped by armed men should shock anyone at their core and force immediate action,” he said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
But these numbers only scratch the surface, as survivors and their families usually remain silent due to stigma, lack of services and fear of retribution of armed groups.
A war crime unfolding
Sexual violence is being armed in the Sudan conflict, putting millions of children at risk.
The brutal reality of this violence and the fear of being a victim is to push women and girls to leave their homes and families, just to face more dangers.
UNICEF Reports that girls usually end in informal displacement places with scarce resources, where the risk of sexual violence is high. Of the survivors of reported children’s rape, 66 % are girls.
Meanwhile, the boys face their own difficulties. With the deep stigma, the denunciation of sexual aggression presents its challenges, making it difficult to seek and access services.
Surprisingly, 16 of the survivors were under five, including four years old.
“This is an abominable violation of international law and could constitute a war crime, ” Russell stressed. “It must stop.”
Floor efforts
UNICEF is working with partners to establish safe spaces that provide gender -based violence services for survivors.
The agency is training front line workers, including social workers and psychologists to provide community services throughout Sudan, as well as address harmful social norms and practices.
A call to action
UNICEF is asking all parties to the conflict to fulfill their obligations under international law, protect civilians – especially children – and ensure that humanitarian workers can provide safe help.
Stronger data systems are considered critical, both to improve the humanitarian response and to hold the authors responsible.
“Generalized sexual violence in Sudan has instilled terror in people, especially children.” Russell warned. “These war scars are immeasurable and lasting.”
Without urgent action, Sudan’s crisis of sexual violence will only deepen, leaving a lasting and devastating legacy.
