A recent report from UNICEF has shed light on the disturbing trend of systematic sexual violence against young children in Sudan's ongoing civil war. The report, released by the United Nations' children's agency, documented at least 221 cases of child rape and 77 cases of sexual assault against children since the beginning of 2024.
Shockingly, the report revealed that even one-year-olds were among the youngest survivors of rape, with four infants falling victim to sexual assaults. Additionally, 12 survivors were children under the age of 5, with 66% of the victims being girls and 33% being boys.
The data, collected by gender-based violence service providers in Sudan, likely represents only a fraction of the total child rape cases due to underreporting. Survivors, their families, and frontline workers often face challenges in reporting these crimes, including limited access to services, cultural stigmas, and fear of retribution from armed groups.
The report detailed harrowing first-hand accounts of sexual violence against children, highlighting instances where children were abused during invasions, while fleeing danger, while being held against their will, or even in exchange for basic necessities like food.
The civil war in Sudan, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, has resulted in a devastating toll on the population. Forces loyal to rival generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have been engaged in fierce battles for control, leading to widespread violence and displacement.
UNICEF's report also highlighted the alarming increase in violence against internally displaced people, particularly children, living in shelters or informal sites. The risk of sexual violence within these communities remains high, posing a significant threat to vulnerable individuals.
The testimonies shared in the report, including one survivor named Omnia who described the horrors she witnessed while detained by armed men, underscore the urgent need for action to address the pervasive sexual violence in Sudan. UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the need for immediate intervention to combat the widespread terror inflicted on the population, especially children.
The report further revealed that child rape cases were reported in nine states across Sudan, indicating that the violence is not confined to a single region. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, led by rival generals, continue to vie for control over different parts of the country, perpetuating the cycle of violence and suffering.
