Human Rights Watch has accused the RSF of widespread sexual violence against women and girls in Southern Sudan, documenting numerous cases of gang rape and sexual slavery, and demanding urgent international action for civilian protection amidst a devastating humanitarian crisis.
On Monday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias of committing extensive sexual violence in South Kordofan, Southern Sudan, amid an ongoing conflict with the army. The report details multiple cases of sexual violence, including gang rape and sexual slavery, affecting women and girls between the ages of seven and fifty. Since the conflict escalated in April 2023, these crimes have intensified, with the latest documentation indicating that such acts are part of broader war crimes in the region. The need for international intervention to protect civilians is becoming increasingly urgent, as demonstrated by testimonies from survivors who recounted horrific experiences of abduction and violence at the hands of RSF fighters.
The allegations detailed in HRW’s report are part of a growing body of evidence presented by international monitoring organizations regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of millions, and devastating impacts on the civilian population. The RSF’s actions, particularly in South Kordofan, have provoked outrage as reports indicate that serious human rights violations, including widespread sexual violence, are being overlooked. Survivors of these atrocities narrate experiences filled with profound suffering, which underline the grave need for protective measures and justice.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, leading to severe humanitarian consequences, including numerous human rights abuses. Human Rights Watch and other international bodies have raised alarms over the situation in South Sudan, specifically focusing on the actions of the RSF and affiliated militias. The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias, has been implicated in horrific acts against civilians, particularly targeting women and girls. The implications of these allegations are significant, highlighting a pattern of systematic violence that raises concerns about war crimes and the urgent need for intervention from the international community.
In summary, the allegations of widespread sexual violence perpetrated by the RSF in South Sudan underscore a catastrophic humanitarian crisis requiring immediate international attention. The testimonies of survivors reflect a systematic pattern of abuse that constitutes war crimes. With the abduction and sexual enslavement of women and girls reported alongside gang rapes, it is vital that the global community responds effectively to protect civilians and ensure accountability for these acts of violence.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
