Sudan: ‘Terrible consequences for survivors’ of lack of health services and trauma
“Lack of care, stigma and administrative barriers, including access to health and trauma services, rape testing kits, emergency contraception and safe abortion performed by health professionals, has led to dire consequences for survivors and recurring cycles of violence.“, they stressed.
Experts add that for those who have carried their pregnancies to term, Antenatal and postnatal services “rare, unsafe or completely inaccessible”.
Numerous documented cases of sexual abuse, rape, forced prostitution, sexual slavery and extrajudicial killings by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups are taking place amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Since the conflict between militias and the national army began in April 2023, it has resulted in relocated 10.2 million people and 26 million are facing severe famine.
Targeting rights defenders
UN experts also condemned the targeting of women human rights defenders and first responders working to document violations and provide services to survivors.
Between January and June 2024, at least nine of these locations were targeted by parties involved in the conflict.
“Classes of violence, including The arbitrary detention, arrest, violations of due process and fair trials, and killings of women first responders and rights defenders are appalling and continue to have a chilling impact on service delivery. and processes to ensure documentation of human rights violations, accountability and justice,” the experts said.
They called for an end to the violence, improved humanitarian access for affected populations and a prompt and effective investigation into human rights violations.
‘Women’s leadership must be guaranteed’
Women’s leadership and meaningful participation in conflict resolution processes must be ensured by all parties in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1325rights experts say.
“Women continue to call for ceasefires, unhindered access to humanitarian aid and effective monitoring of both. The meaningful participation of women must be promoted as a matter of their rights and to achieve lasting and sustainable peace,” they asserted.
They have shared these concerns with both the Sudanese government and RSF generals.
Special Rapporteurs appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific country situations. They are not employees of the United Nations and are independent of any government or organization.
