The United Nations has reported that more than 200 children have been raped in Sudan since the beginning of 2024. This sharp rise in sexual violence highlights the severe consequences of ongoing conflict for the country’s most vulnerable groups.
“These horrific crimes are a direct violation of international law,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. The agency stressed the urgency of protecting children from sexual violence, and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
The situation in Sudan has deteriorated as armed groups engage in widespread attacks, and children are increasingly caught in the crossfire. The violence has led to the abduction, exploitation, and abuse of young children, with many girls being targeted.
“Children should never be the victims of armed conflict,” said the UNICEF representative. “We are urging immediate action to prevent further violence against children in Sudan.”
The majority of the victims are girls, though boys have also been affected. According to reports, many of the children have been forced into sexual slavery, trafficked, or used as human shields by armed groups. The abuse has left lasting trauma for many survivors, who often face isolation and discrimination in their communities.
The violence is part of a broader pattern of abuse in Sudan, where armed groups regularly target civilians, especially women and children. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2023, has led to widespread displacement, leaving millions of children without access to basic services like education, healthcare, and safety.
“Survivors of sexual violence face not only physical harm but long-term psychological trauma,” said a representative from Human Rights Watch. They stressed that the long-term mental health impact on children exposed to such violence is often overlooked in the rush to address immediate needs.
While many children are physically harmed, they also suffer psychological damage. The trauma of sexual violence often results in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with some children struggling to recover without access to counseling and care.
“Children need safety and stability,” added the Human Rights Watch spokesperson. “We need urgent action to ensure they are protected from harm.”
The United Nations has condemned the abuse and called for an immediate investigation into the increase in sexual violence. They are urging both the Sudanese government and the various armed groups to respect international laws designed to protect civilians, particularly children.
In addition to sexual violence, the conflict has left many children without food, shelter, or healthcare. The humanitarian crisis has become even more complex as aid organizations struggle to reach those in need due to ongoing security threats and logistical difficulties.
“Many of the children who experience sexual violence also face malnutrition, illness, and lack of education,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. “We need a coordinated effort to address all their needs, not just the immediate physical injuries.”
Efforts to deliver aid have been slow due to the ongoing fighting, leaving humanitarian organizations with limited resources. The lack of access to safe spaces and medical care has only exacerbated the suffering of children who have been victims of violence.
Despite these challenges, organizations like UNICEF are continuing their efforts to provide assistance. They are working to set up safe spaces, offer psychological support, and distribute emergency supplies, but the scale of the crisis means that the need is far greater than the available resources.
The international community has been slow to respond to the situation in Sudan. While some countries have pledged aid, many experts argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and protect children from the ongoing violence.
“Protection of children must be the top priority in any peace process,” said the UNICEF representative. “The international community must act swiftly to ensure these children are no longer exploited and harmed.”
As the violence continues, Sudanese children face a future filled with uncertainty. The international community must act immediately to prevent further exploitation and to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Without urgent intervention, the situation will only worsen.
