“The lack of care, stigma and administrative barriers, including access to medical and trauma services, rape kits, emergency contraception and safe abortions performed by medical professionals, have led to serious consequences for survivors and to repeated cycles of violencethey emphasized.
The experts added that for those who have carried a pregnancy to term, pre- and postpartum care is ‘scarce, uncertain or completely inaccessible’.
The many documented cases of sexual abuse, rape, forced prostitution, sexual slavery and unlawful killings by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups come against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Since the conflict between the militias and the national army began in April 2023, it has resulted in the displacement of 10.2 million people and 26 million are struggling with acute hunger.
Targeting of human rights defenders
The UN experts also condemned the targeting of women human rights defenders and aid workers who document violations and provide assistance to survivors.
From January to June 2024, at least nine of them were targeted by parties involved in the conflict.
“The layers of violence, including the Arbitrary detention, arrests, fair trial violations and killings of women aid workers and human rights defenders are appalling and have a lasting chilling effect on the delivery of services and processes to ensure documentation of human rights violations, accountability and justice,” the experts said.
They call for an end to the violence, better humanitarian access to the affected populations and prompt and effective investigations into human rights violations.
‘Women’s leadership must be guaranteed’
The meaningful leadership and participation of women in the conflict resolution process must be ensured by all parties in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1325according to human rights experts.
“Women continue to raise their voices to call for a ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian assistance 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 affirmed.
They have communicated these concerns to both the government of Sudan and the RSF generals.
Special rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific situations in a country. They are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organisation.
