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5 July 2024 (Nairobi) – The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) today reiterated its call for a gender-sensitive civilian protection framework in Sudan following reports of an increase in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) following the recent spread of conflict into Sennar State.
After the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) advanced into Sennar State on June 29 and seized control of Sinja and Dinder, there were reports of other human rights violations, including gang rape, committed by the CRSV during the takeover.
SIHA called on international actors to “implement a gender-sensitive civilian protection framework in Sudan, ensure community-led humanitarian access for civilians, and impose enforceable penalties for violations.” The network has received unconfirmed reports of gender-based violence, including rape, against women in the Sennar and Sinja regions.
The statement also highlighted the widespread problem of missing persons, with an estimated 1,000 people missing, including 91 children. Women are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and support to save lives, alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity.
“Dignity kits contain feminine hygiene products that are essential not only to maintaining dignity but also to preventing health problems. Access to sexual and reproductive health care, including emergency services, is also a basic necessity,” the statement read.
The RSF incursion into Sennar State has displaced thousands of people and disrupted humanitarian aid routes. The systematic use of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones across Sudan has compounded the suffering of women who are already suffering from displacement and violence.
SIHA further called for prioritizing the protection of Sudanese civilians through gender-responsive assistance, the establishment of safe zones and holding perpetrators accountable. It also urged support for investigating human rights violations and disrupting illicit financial flows that fuel the conflict.
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