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Authorities urged to protect women and children following violence and protests in Sudan |



Kambou Fofana, Acting UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, made the call in statement about the excessive use of force against children.

“UNICEF calls on all authorities in Sudan to protect all children from all forms of violence and harm including during conflicts and political events. The use of excessive force against civilians is unnecessary and should always be avoided.” he say.

Violence changes families

Mr. Fofana reported that an increase in violence between communes in West Darfur, most recently in Jebel Moon, has resulted in a high number of deaths, including children among the victims.

Families continue to be displaced because of the fighting and UNICEF has also received reports of gender-based violence in the area.

Children and women were also among those injured during protests in Khartoum earlier this week, he added.

‘Indiscriminate reporting’ of rape

Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of the uprising that led to the April 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, who has been in power for three decades.

“We are closely monitoring the astonishing reports of the rape of women and girls during the protests,” Mr. Fofana said.

Meanwhile, UN officials fighting to stop rape in wartime are also deep concern on reports of sexual violence and sexual harassment by Sudanese security forces during the protests.

Trusted breach reports

Pramila Patten, Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, expressed deep concern about credible reports of serious human rights violations, Idoes not include the use of rape and gang rape of women and girls, to disperse protesters who had tried to hold a sit-in near the Republican Palace.

While some survivors have filed judicial complaints and sought medical assistance, others have not suffered from social stigma, fear of abuse and retaliation, her office said. on Thursday.

Ms. Patten stressed that the absence of criminal responsibility for these crimes could deter survivors from seeking redress and prolong the “punishment cycle” that hinders efforts to build and restore peace. .

Identify and prosecute

She called on the Sudanese authorities to take effective measures to ensure survivors have access to medical, legal and psychosocial support, and to establish accountability mechanisms. to prevent the recurrence of such violence, consistent with the United Nations. Security Council resolutions.

“The perpetrators of these human rights violations must be identified and prosecuted,” Mrs. Patten said.

“I join the call of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation into allegations of rape and sexual harassment.”

End all violence

She also asked the Sudanese authorities to work with the United Nations to implement a framework for cooperation on preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence, which was signed last year.

Ms. Patten also called on the international community, including members of the Security Council, to use their good office role with Sudan’s leaders to demand an end to all forms of violence and intimidation. against civilians, including sexual violence.

“With further protests planned, it is vital that security forces act in full respect of international laws and standards governing the use of force,” he said. she speaks.



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