253 women from Africa and the diaspora have signed an open letter calling for action to protect women and girls in Sudan from conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
The letter, published ahead of the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, appeals for ‘the urgent initiation of international protection measures and accountability mechanisms’ in response to a conflict which has been described as being ‘fought on the bodies of women and girls’.
The signatories emphasise that a persistent failure to address CRSV has entrenched impunity, and outline several steps that can be taken by regional and international actors to assist women and girls in Sudan, including facilitating continued human rights monitoring, extending the mandate of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor to investigate incidents of sexual violence which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and supporting and resourcing community groups that provide humanitarian assistance to survivors.
Sudan has been in conflict since 15 April 2023, when violence erupted between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) as the two groups were due to merge in line with an internationally supported framework agreement on a transition to democracy.
On 6 September 2024 the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) for the Sudan published its first report, in which it found reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed since the conflict broke out. The report specifically highlighted that CRSV is being perpetrated by both the RSF and SAF, emphasising the total absence of protection for women and girls.
CSW’s Head of Advocacy Dr Khataza Gondwe said: ‘The situation of women and girls in Sudan demands urgent attention. As world leaders meet this week in New York, not only should they galvanise efforts to persuade all parties to the conflict to conclude an immediate ceasefire and attend to the dire humanitarian situation; significant progress must also be made towards addressing the impunity surrounding CRSV and other grave violations, and ensuring accountability. Women and girls in Sudan have shown remarkable resilience throughout this conflict. They must not be left behind, and must have a central role in all aspects of the global response.’
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