UN mission documents large-scale sexual violence : Valley Vision

In a comprehensive report released on Tuesday, the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has documented large-scale sexual violence and other severe human rights abuses in areas controlled by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

These violations include gang rapes, abductions, and conditions amounting to sexual slavery, reportedly targeting civilians in conflict zones like Greater Khartoum, Darfur, and Gezira States. The report, which builds on findings presented to the Human Rights Council in September, concludes that these acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing torture, sexual slavery, and persecution on ethnic and gender grounds.

According to the Fact-Finding Mission, RSF and affiliated militias are responsible for most reported cases of sexual violence, using these abuses to intimidate civilians and suppress opposition. The mission identified cases of brutal assaults involving firearms, knives, and whips, often accompanied by racist and sexist slurs. Chair of the mission Mohamed Chande Othman stated, “The sheer scale of sexual violence we have documented in Sudan is staggering. The situation faced by vulnerable civilians, especially women and girls, is deeply alarming and needs urgent address.”

The report also reveals accounts of sexual violence against men and boys, with many victims facing forced nudity, genital beatings, and rape threats while in detention, underscoring the widespread and indiscriminate nature of these crimes. The RSF has reportedly held women and girls in conditions amounting to sexual slavery, exercising control over their freedom and subjecting them to exploitation and abuse.

Mission expert Joy Ngozi Ezeilo emphasised the urgent need for accountability, saying, “Without accountability, the cycle of hatred and violence will carry on. We must put a halt to impunity and bring perpetrators to account.” Additionally, fellow expert Mona Rishmawi highlighted the lack of medical and legal support for victims, calling for the establishment of a dedicated support and reparations office for survivors.

The Fact-Finding Mission has urgently recommended deploying an independent protection force to safeguard civilians, stressing that no place in Sudan is currently safe for those at risk.