US condemns conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan
August 26, 2023 (WASHINGTON) – The United States has strongly condemned the pervasive conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, citing credible sources and victims who attributed it to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias.
“The numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other areas are deeply disturbing. These acts of brutality contribute to an emerging pattern of targeted ethnic violence,” the US State Department said on Friday.
The statement also echoed calls from the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten on the RSF to condemn conflict-related sexual violence, commit to effective measures to prevent and address any acts of these acts, and declare zero-tolerance for sexual violence.
“In particular, we are gravely concerned about the situation in and around Nyala, South Darfur where tens of thousands of civilians are trapped as fighting escalates between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF),” stressed the statement.
The US further called on the RSF and SAF to immediately halt the fighting and allow safe passage for all civilians out of the city.
“Perpetrators of atrocities must be held accountable,” the State Department noted.
According to the US, accountability for sexual violence in conflict is a core priority for its government, as reflected in the Presidential Memorandum signed by President Joe Biden in November 2022, which directs the use of all available tools, including legal, policy, diplomatic and financial tools to deter such violence.
More than 4.5 million people, the UN said, have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to the conflict that erupted on 15 April between SAF and the RSF.
(ST)