Khartoum - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The Sudanese capital Khartoum and neighboring cities are not safe for women and girls, according to Human Rights Watch after investigating sexual violence. The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been at war with each other since April 2023, and according to the human rights organization, both are guilty of committing sexual violence. According to what Belgian newspapers reported today, Monday, from the Belgian News Agency, which added that due to the conflict, heavy fighting has been taking place in and around Khartoum for more than a year, where the Rapid Support Forces have been stationed in residential areas. Human Rights Watch interviewed more than forty caregivers, counselors, lawyers, and others. The health care workers interviewed treated 262 victims of sexual violence between April 2023 and February 2024. According to them, paramilitary groups were identified as the perpetrators in most cases. The human rights organization reports that girls and women between the ages of 9 and 60 have been victims of widespread sexual violence, including rape and gang rape. This sometimes occurs in the presence of their families. In addition, there are also forced marriages, and there are reports of sexual violence against boys and men. Human Rights Watch talks about war crimes.

Sanctions
The war has restricted the freedom of movement of Khartoum residents, and according to aid organizations, health care has collapsed. The organization notes that many women who were unwantedly pregnant by rapists wanted to have abortions, but were not always able to get the necessary care. Human Rights Watch said that at least four women died from injuries sustained as a result of sexual violence.

The organization calls on the warring parties to respect international law. Human Rights Watch wants to implement a zero tolerance policy for sexual violence and hold those responsible for sexual violence accountable. Human Rights Watch also wants to properly document war crimes in Sudan and increase pressure on their perpetrators, for example through international sanctions.