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24 July 2024 (New York) – Following a visit to Chad, the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, issued a stark warning about the widespread sexual violence being suffered by women and girls fleeing the conflict in Sudan.
From July 14 to 18, 2024, Patten visited Chad, including the Ouaddai region, where more than 620,000 Sudanese refugees have sought shelter, revealing the dire situation of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
“I have seen first-hand the scale of the crisis caused by the influx of Sudanese civilians, approximately 90 percent of whom are women and children,” said Patten, praising Chad’s generosity in hosting the refugees.
However, she highlighted the harrowing stories of rape, trafficking, kidnapping and racially motivated sexual violence told by survivors.
Patten heard reports of the involvement of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias in these serious crimes. She highlighted the challenges survivors face in accessing basic services, including legal aid, justice and specialist trauma care.
The lack of security in refugee camps, the circulation of weapons and the presence of armed elements further expose women and girls to various forms of gender-based violence. Despite the efforts of the Chadian authorities and international organizations, the urgent needs of the affected population remain largely unmet.
Patten urgently called on the international community to increase funding to support survivors and respond to the humanitarian crisis in Chad.
“We must remain steadfast in our delivery of assistance to those affected by conflict, including survivors of sexual violence, and must urgently alleviate their suffering,” she declared.
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