Lilian Nyiva
A new United Nations report has warned that sexual violence is being systematically used as a "weapon of war" in Sudan's ongoing conflict, with women, girls, men and boys subjected to widespread abuse as fighting continues across the country.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least 546 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence were documented between the outbreak of war in April 2023 and mid-April 2026. The verified cases affected at least 838 victims, including 539 women, 284 girls, eight men and seven boys. The UN noted that the actual number of victims is likely much higher due to underreporting, stigma, insecurity and limited access to affected areas.
The report states that sexual violence has accompanied the spread of the conflict and displacement routes, with perpetrators allegedly using rape and other forms of sexual abuse to terrorise communities, force displacement and inflict long-term psychological trauma on civilians. Survivors have also faced significant barriers in accessing medical care, psychosocial support and justice.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has triggered one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, displacing millions of people and leaving vast numbers in need of humanitarian assistance. The continued violence has further increased the risks facing women and girls in displacement camps and conflict-affected communities.
UN Calls for Accountability
The United Nations has called for independent investigations into all allegations of conflict-related sexual violence and urged all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law. The organisation also appealed for stronger protection measures for civilians, expanded support services for survivors and accountability for those responsible for these crimes.
International Concern
The report adds to growing international concern over human rights violations in Sudan, where the conflict has been marked by widespread attacks on civilians, mass displacement and destruction of critical infrastructure. Human rights organisations and UN agencies continue to urge the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and protecting vulnerable populations.
