May 25, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – A campaign dedicated to combating rape and sexual violence in Sudan, “Together Against Rape and Sexual Violence,” has documented 377 cases of rape since the onset of the conflict in April 2023, including 131 cases involving young girls.

The campaign’s latest report details the harrowing reality of sexual violence in the country, with 99 cases documented in North Darfur, 89 in Al Jazirah, 56 in Central Darfur, 55 in Khartoum, and 22 in Al-Obeid. The remaining cases are spread across other regions.

The report underscores the underreporting of such crimes due to communication disruptions, the conservative nature of Sudanese society, and the stigma associated with sexual violence. Najla Mohammed, a member of the campaign, expressed deep concern over the rising number of child rape cases and the devastating psychological and physical consequences they endure.

Survivors face immense challenges in seeking justice and reporting these crimes due to social stigma, a fragile judicial system, inadequate protection programs, and a lack of legal, psychological, and medical support.

In Al Jazirah state, the SIHA network of women in the Horn of Africa has revealed a surge in violations and crimes against civilians, particularly women and girls, perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their report details accounts of killings, torture, systematic looting, and sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. The RSF has also been accused of invading homes and extorting families for money and gold.