It is no secret that war comes with tragedy that surpasses death. Terrorist fighter groups have been notorious for their conquests of women and children in many ways, dominating large civilian groups by inflicting violence and terror upon them. Over numerous conflicts, women and children in Africa have fallen victim to sexual violence, with younger children being a massive percentage of people targeted. Such atrocities have materialized as a result of the many civil conflicts that plague the continent, seen in the civil wars of South Sudan. The surge of rape and violence across the region has brought collossal grievances to the community, hindering the mental and physical conditions of all those who live there.
Earlier this year, genocide was once more declared in Sudan. As a result of the conflict, armed men have been conquesting the Darfur region, raping hundreds of children, ranging from infancy to young women. According to a UNICEF report, out of 221 cases of rape since the start of 24, 147 victims were girls and 74 were boys. Additionally, the agency has reported dire instances of psychological abuse and child marriage. Some victims have been infected with H.I.V. and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, the victims’ suffering does not end after the physiopsychological trauma they endure: In Sudan, it is usually the survivors and not the perpetrators who carry the burden of stigma and chagrin that comes with rape.
Sexual violence is being used as a weapon in the Sudanese conflict, and most acts occur in internment camps. The war has prompted mass movements of people across the country, leaving 11 million individuals displaced. Children and young girls who end up at displacement sites are at the highest risk of being attacked. Of the reported child rape survivors, girls make up 66 percent.
Men do not experience less hardship with the issue: The stigma around admitting emotional turmoil and being sexually assaulted prevents millions of men from speaking up about their experiences. The act of committing such violent acts against many individuals can “constitute a war crime,” as stated by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
As of December 10th, 2024, Human Rights Watch has documented large-scale killings, kidnappings, and injuries of civilians in the Sudanese regions of Habila and Fayu. There is almost nothing that victims can do to hold their attackers responsible. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has shared an overview of its findings with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of RSF (Whose soldiers are perpetrating much of the attacks). They have not received a response.
Although the topic is distressing, these injustices must be brought to light. It is crucial to understand how civil conflict affects all kinds of people in a region, sometimes in the worst ways. The future of Sudan’s female and youth population seems grave, as individuals must scramble for survival with their fundamental rights on the line.
Written by Alexandra Kwitkowski
