Sudan: Systematic sexual violence and atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces
Friday, December 20, 2024 4:25 AM

Reports reveal that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have perpetrated widespread sexual violence in South Kordofan, including rape and sexual slavery of women and girls, some as young as seven. Human Rights Watch documented at least 79 survivors who described gang rapes, prolonged captivity, and atrocities carried out in front of their families. These acts, constituting war crimes and potential crimes against humanity, underscore the urgent need for international action to protect civilians, support survivors, and ensure accountability. A UN fact-finding mission has called for expanding the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction to cover all of Sudan, establishing a special tribunal, and pursuing other justice mechanisms to address these violations.
 
Compiled from: “Sudan: Fighters Rape Women and Girls, Hold Sex Slaves”, Human Rights Watch, Dec. 15, 2024.