Sudan: New UN Human Rights Report - 'Brutal Use of Sexual Violence in Sudan'

Lead

A new report by the United Nations Human Rights Office has documented widespread and brutal use of sexual violence in Sudan since the conflict erupted three years ago. Researchers verified 546 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence across 16 of Sudan's 18 states, from the start of the war until mid-April of this year. The report details at least 838 victims, the majority of them women and girls, but also including men and boys, according to multiple sources.

The UN Human Rights Commissioner, Volker Türk, is calling for independent and impartial investigations into these acts. "Persistent impunity is clearly deepening harms and reinforcing cycles of violations and abuses," Türk said, as reported by Africa News. "All perpetrators, including those exercising command responsibility, must be held fully accountable, and victims must be guaranteed access to effective remedy, including reparation."

The report, issued on Tuesday, highlights that sexual violence has been used "consistently as a tactic and weapon of war" since the conflict began in April 2023, a finding echoed by AllAfrica, which noted that the report describes sexual violence as spreading alongside the conflict and displacement routes, used to terrorise and traumatise civilians.

Coverage Comparison

Africa News and AllAfrica both reported on the UN report, with their coverage largely aligned in facts and framing. Both outlets emphasized the brutality and scale of the violence, citing the 546 incidents and 838 victims. AllAfrica's coverage included additional details such as quotes from victims or survivors, the impact on communities, and the need for support and resources. One AllAfrica article also included historical context and quotes from experts, including Prof Eric Reeves.

The framing across the sources is consistent, portraying sexual violence as a deliberate tactic of war, with perpetrators including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Key Claims

The report documents 546 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence in 16 of Sudan's 18 states, affecting at least 838 victims, with figures described as "the tip of the iceberg" due to underreporting, as reported by both Africa News and AllAfrica.

The UN Human Rights Commissioner, Volker Türk, is calling for independent and impartial investigations, emphasizing that impunity is reinforcing cycles of violations, as reported by Africa News and AllAfrica.

Sexual violence has been used consistently as a tactic and weapon of war since the conflict erupted, according to the report, as covered by both outlets.

At least 13 victims died, mostly following brutal gang rapes, and the youngest victim was nine years old, as reported by Africa News.

The report documents rape and gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced prostitution, sexual torture, and trafficking for the purpose of sexual violence, as reported by both Africa News and AllAfrica.

In Darfur, there are grounds to believe that some acts of sexual violence may amount to crimes against humanity, as stated in the report and reported by both sources.

Most verified incidents were attributed to men in Rapid Support Forces (RSF) uniforms, its affiliates, and Arab militias, according to AllAfrica. Incidents were also attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces, affiliated security actors, and other armed groups, as reported by AllAfrica.

The UN rights office urged warring parties to take concrete and verifiable measures to prevent sexual violence, as reported by a single source.

Perspectives

United Nations (OHCHR): The UN human rights office, through Commissioner Volker Türk, emphasizes that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war and constitutes a war crime and potentially a crime against humanity. The UN calls for accountability, justice, and victim-centred responses.

Prof Eric Reeves: A prominent Sudan scholar, quoted by AllAfrica, points out a reluctance to come to terms with the reality of rape in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan, highlighting the need for greater recognition of the issue.

Victims and Survivors: The report includes accounts from victims, such as Masalit women from West Darfur who reported attackers asking about their tribe before raping them, with some being told, "This year, all of you Masalit girls will deliver our children," and "If you are Masalit, we will slaughter you today," as reported by a single source.