UN expresses grave concern over abduction and slavery of women in Sudan
November 3, 2023 (GENEVA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday expressed deep alarm over reports of women and girls being abducted and subjected to inhuman, degrading conditions in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
Abducted from Khartoum and the RSF-controlled areas, the victims are allegedly forcibly married and held for ransom. According to the UN, credible information suggests that more than 20 individuals have been abducted, while the actual number may be even higher.
UN spokesperson Liz Throssell has condemned the disturbing incidents that have come to light recently.
“We are deeply alarmed by reports that women and girls are being abducted and held in inhuman, degrading slave-like conditions in areas controlled by the RSF in Darfur,” stated Throssell.
Witnesses have reported seeing women and girls being held in chains on pick-up trucks and in cars, painting a grim picture of their plight.
On Thursday, the RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” reiterated his directive to his troops to avoid human rights violations but reports continue to emerge about breaches committed by his men.
Throssell revealed that one report pointed to the abduction and detention of women and girls in the Al-Riyadh district of Khartoum as early as April 24. Subsequently, ongoing reports of abductions have surfaced, with an escalating number of cases in the Darfur region, specifically in North, Central, South Darfur, and Kordofan.
UN documentation reveals that at least 105 people have fallen victim to sexual violence since the hostilities began on April 15, 2023. Of these victims, 86 are women, one is a man, and 18 are children.
At least 70 per cent of the confirmed incidents of sexual violence have been attributed to men in RSF uniforms.
High Commissioner Volker Türk’s called on senior officials of the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF to act swiftly: “They must issue clear instructions to their subordinates, demanding zero tolerance for sexual violence.” Türk added, “They must ensure the abducted women and girls are promptly released, provided with the necessary support, and that all alleged cases are fully investigated.”
Moreover, the UN called on them to ensure the immediate release of the abducted women and girls, provide them with the necessary support, including medical and psychosocial care, and fully and promptly investigate all alleged cases. Perpetrators found responsible must be held accountable and brought to justice.
(ST)