Defenders demand accountability for war crimes against women

November 25, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, activists in Sudan are demanding accountability for perpetrators of violence and an end to the impunity that allows such crimes to persist.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, themed “You Are Not Alone,” highlights the escalating challenges faced by women and girls in Sudan amidst the ongoing conflict.

Salma Ishaq, Director of the government’s Combatting Violence Against Women Unit, stressed the urgent need to hold perpetrators accountable, particularly for crimes against women and children. “This year’s campaign comes as women and girls face horrific violence, including sexual violence used as a war tactic by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF),” Ishaq said.

She urged authorities to swiftly enact the Combating Violence Against Women Act and ensure survivors have access to legal support and safe reporting mechanisms.

Hala al-Karib, Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, revealed that over 300 cases of sexual violence have been documented since the conflict erupted on April 15.

“Crimes of violence against women in all their forms, including sexual violence, enslavement, criminalization of women, child marriage, and degrading the dignity of women in Sudan, have exceeded all expectations and left deep social scars and rifts,” al-Karib told Sudan Tribune. “Without justice and accountability for perpetrators, achieving peace and stability will remain elusive.”

The Women Against Injustice campaign reiterated its rejection of the war, emphasizing the heavy toll it has taken on women and children. In a statement, the campaign urged local, regional, and international communities to exert further pressure on the warring parties to cease fire, open safe passages for civilians, and provide protection, including for women, paving the way for ending the war and building peace.

The No to Oppression of Women initiative also raised its voice, demanding the establishment of peace and rejecting war. The initiative highlighted that over 6.9 million Sudanese women and girls face threats to their lives and safety, including killing, rape, displacement, refuge, exploitation, sexual slavery, forced labour for armed detainees, and forced marriage under the threat of arms.