• UNICEF reports over 200 cases of child rape in Sudan since January 2024.
• Children as young as one year old are among the victims of sexual violence.
• Sexual violence is now recognized as a tactic of war by armed groups in the conflict.
• The ongoing war in Sudan has displaced millions and created a humanitarian crisis.
• Survivors face immense stigma, which prevents many from speaking out about their experiences.

The United Nations’ children's agency, UNICEF, has released a harrowing report detailing the widespread occurrence of child rape in conflict-riddled Sudan, with cases involving children as young as one year old coming to light. As of early 2024, the agency has documented 221 instances of rape among children, with boys comprising a significant portion of the victims, according to reports compiled by gender-based violence service providers in the region. Among the victims were 16 children under the age of five, including four infants.

The report starkly outlines the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war amidst the ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This brutal struggle has led to the deaths of at least 20,000 individuals and has displaced more than 14 million people, pushing many regions into famine. “Millions of children are at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence, which violate international laws and could constitute war crimes,” stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

UNICEF has noted that the actual number of child rape cases is likely much higher than reported, as stigma and fear of retribution deter survivors from seeking help. “In a culture of serious social stigma and limited access to services, the fact that these children came forward is just the tip of the iceberg,” said UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram, highlighting the dire circumstances these young survivors face.

The documented cases involve various regions across Sudan, including Gedaref, Kassala, Khartoum, and South Kordofan. Ingram's observations reflect the horrors inflicted on the victims, many of whom suffer long-lasting psychological scars and physical injuries. Instances of severe trauma have resulted in reports of suicides among survivors.

The UNICEF report also revealed that 73 cases of rape were linked directly to the conflict, with the remaining incidents still under investigation. Many victims, influenced by societal stigma and the threat of armed groups, find it difficult to voice their trauma and seek assistance. Women’s rights organizations, such as the SIHA Network, have documented atrocities related to sexual violence across both military factions involved in the conflict.

UNICEF has urgently called for all parties involved in the conflict to respect obligations to protect civilians, especially children, emphasizing that the humanitarian response needs immediate support. “Sexual violence, which is being documented at staggering levels, must prompt immediate international action,” stated Russell.

For further details, refer to additional reports from BBC, Le Monde, Al Jazeera, Africa News, and Los Angeles Times.