Medical Professionals outside Sudan's Borders Reveal Disturbing Information from Sudan
In Sudan, Women and Girls Face Continuous Risk of Sexual Violence During Ongoing Civil War
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported that sexual violence has become a pervasive weapon in Sudan's ongoing civil conflict, placing women and girls in almost constant danger. According to Claire San Filippo, MSF's emergency coordinator, women are attacked in homes, while fleeing violence, collecting firewood, or working in the fields.
In the Darfur region, sexual violence is so rampant that many consider it inevitable, San Filippo said. The conflict in Sudan, between government troops and the militia RSF since April 2023, has led to the displacement of around 12.4 million people within the country or across neighboring borders, according to UN figures.
Human rights organizations and the United Nations have accused the RSF militia of committing massive sexual assaults in the past, but many victims of sexual violence remain silent due to the social stigma associated with rape in conservative Sudanese society.
MSF has treated 659 survivors of sexual violence alone in the South Darfur region between January 2024 and March 2025, according to a statement. A 17-year-old survivor reported being raped by seven RSF fighters as she fled fighting, while a 25-year-old woman mourned the death of her 13-year-old niece due to a gang rape.
The international community has called for increased funding for humanitarian responders and neighboring countries in response to the crisis, but political will remains a significant barrier to effectively addressing the issue.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa
Background:
The civil war in Sudan, marked by severe violence including widespread sexual violence, has led to a massive humanitarian crisis with over 3.7 million internally displaced people and more than 800,000 refugees seeking safety across borders. The ongoing violence, including sexual violence, necessitates increased humanitarian support.
- Science and healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to treat survivors of sexual violence in Sudan, providing invaluable resources for their health-and-wellness.
- Amidst the ongoing civil war, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, acknowledging the significance of prioritizing mental-health as well.
- As the situation in Sudan remains complicated with war-and-conflicts, politics play a crucial role in affecting the response to these crises, including the provision of resources for addressing sexual violence.
- In light of the escalating violence in Sudan, general news outlets continue to report on the country's ongoing civil war, emphasizing the importance of raising global awareness in order to exert pressure on government authorities to protect citizens' rights and promote health and wellness for all.
