UNICEF Reports Alarming Rates of Child Sexual Assault in Sudan's Civil War

A UNICEF report highlights the alarming incidence of sexual violence against children in Sudan, with armed groups using rape as a tactic of war. The report reveals that minors as young as one year old are among the victims, sparking urgent calls for international action.

Armed men are inflicting severe trauma on children in Sudan, with horrifying reports emerging of sexual violence against victims as young as one year old, according to UNICEF. Since the onset of the civil war nearly two years ago, mass sexual violence has been documented as a brutal weapon against civilians. The UNICEF report, detailing the impacts on young children, uncovers the staggering reality that a third of reported victims are boys, who often face unique challenges in reporting such crimes and seeking support.

Although 221 cases of child rape have been officially documented since January 2024, the actual number is thought to be significantly higher due to societal stigma and fear of retribution from armed groups. The report reveals that 16 victims were under five years old, including four infants, illustrating the appalling nature of the violence.

UN investigations have attributed the majority of these rapes to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), known for terrorizing civilians and suppressing opposition. The RSF has denied these allegations despite mounting evidence. UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the urgent need for action to address what she describes as a violation of international law and potentially a war crime.

The report also sheds light on the devastating circumstances faced by survivors. Those plucked from their homes report traumatic experiences, including being raped in front of family members. The violence has left many victims with severe injuries and unwanted pregnancies, while a lack of medical services due to the war exacerbates the situation.

The humanitarian response has been critically underfunded, with recent cuts in U.S. aid threatening even the limited resources available to assist victims. Local organizations, particularly those led by women, play a crucial role in supporting survivors but receive less than 2% of the funding through the UN's Sudan Humanitarian Fund.

UNICEF is working with local activists to establish Emergency Response Rooms to provide safe spaces for affected children, yet many of these initiatives have been forced to shut down. With women and children increasingly vulnerable due to widespread displacement, and about 75% of school-age girls out of school, the scale of the crisis is staggering.

As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the growing humanitarian needs and protect the rights of children in Sudan.