Sudan: Children as young as one raped during conflict warns UNICEF

Data from Sudan -based violence service providers reveal the extent of horror: Over 220 cases reported rape for children from the beginning of 2024.

“Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone in their center and oblige the immediate action,” said Executive director of UNICEF Catherine Russell.

But these figures scratch only the surface, because the survivors and their families often remain silent due to the stigma, the lack of services and the fear of remuneration from the armed groups.

A war crime that runs

Sexual violence is armed in the conflict of Sudan, putting millions of children in danger.

The brutal reality of this violence and the fear of falling victim is to push women and girls to leave their homes and families, just to cope with the additional dangers.

Unicef Reports that girls often reach informal movement sites with rare resources, where the risk of sexual violence is high. Of reported rape survivors, 66 % are girls.

Meanwhile, boys face their own difficulties. With deep stigma, reporting sexual aggression presents its challenges, which makes it difficult to ask for help and access.

Shocking, 16 of the survivors had under five years, including four one -year children.

“This is a scary violation of international law and It could be a war crime ”, Mrs. Russell emphasized. “It has to stop.”

Efforts on the ground

UNICEF works with partners to establish safe spaces that offer gender -based violence services for survivors.

The Agency form first -rate workers, including social workers and psychologists to provide community services in Sudan as well as addresses harmful social norms and practices.

A call to action

UNICEF asks all the parties to conflict to maintain their obligations in accordance with international law, to protect civilians – especially children – and to ensure that humanitarian workers can provide safe help.

The stronger data systems are considered critical, both to improve the humanitarian response and to respond to the perpetrators.

“Large sexual violence in Sudan has instilled terror in people, especially children,” ” Mrs. Russell warned. “These war scars are immeasurable and long lasting.”

Without an urgent action, the crisis of sexual violence in Sudan will only deepen, leaving a durable and devastating inheritance.