On April 15, 2023, civil war erupted in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Services (RSF) militia forces, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The ensuing conflict has given rise to a state of unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the country. In the course of this conflict, human rights have been severely decimated, with UN experts describing it as one of the ‘worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory’. A defining feature of this conflict has been the crisis of targeted violence against civilian women and girls, who are both disproportionately affected by the war and neglected by the international community. 

The UNHCR has reported that “women and girls have borne the brunt of this conflict.” This is reflected by the fact that they comprise 53% of the 7.9 million people displaced since the war’s onslaught, leading to Sudanese women becoming increasingly vulnerable to targeted violence, poverty, and mental health issues. The RSF has been singled out for their extensive use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Lateita Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, said, “[t]he Rapid Support Forces have raped, gang raped, and forced into marriage countless women and girls in residential areas in Sudan’s capital.” It is known that women and girls aged 9 to 60 years old have been sexually assaulted by RSF combatants, with many dying from injuries related to this violence. These reports reveal a mass epidemic of sexual violence, which is leaving Sudanese women mentally and psychically debilitated.

The effectiveness of relief efforts in supporting these women is mixed. Despite the best efforts of dedicated service providers, their impact has been hindered by RSF and SAF forces who have attacked local responders, healthcare facilities, and blocked vital aid (violating Rule 25 of Customary International Humanitarian Law). RSF combatants have additionally committed sexual violence against service providers to deter support for rape victims and the reporting of RSF sex crimes. Consequently, response mechanisms have been undermined, and many Sudanese women face immense challenges without access to essential physical and/or mental health services. These factors place Sudanese women in an untenable situation, as the essential resources required for their well-being are either grossly insufficient, inaccessible, or prohibited, forcing them to suffer in silence or to die from their injuries.

Despite the extent of the challenges that Sudanese women are facing, the crisis has failed to garner significant international attention, with many humanitarian organisations criticising the weak international and regional responses to the crisis. One potential explanation for this is that the crisis has been viewed as subtext in an already forgotten war that suffers from insufficient media coverage and that is failing to compete with more prominent humanitarian crises‘ in Gaza and Ukraine. This lack of attention has led to less awareness, which has hindered relief efforts and affected the availability of material and financial support.

A revitalised swift and decisive response is essential for addressing the urgent crisis in Sudan. The current situation is marked by severe underfunding, highlighting the need for international donors to increase their financial support, particularly for first responders and aid agencies that face significant obstruction from armed groups. These agencies often serve as the sole lifeline for victims in their communities, underscoring their critical role in crisis management. Moreover, the support of UN Human Rights Council members for Independent International Fact-Finding Missions (FFM) is crucial for ensuring accountability and facilitating the enquiries of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Establishing this accountability is vital for fostering a culture of progress and laying the groundwork for lasting peace. The UN Security Council Resolution 2736 is an important response to the hostilities, but it must be supported with a UN mandated civilian protection force deployment to prevent further attacks on women and girls. This protection is imperative for avoiding additional casualties. Finally, it is essential to recognise the central role of Sudanese women in the response process. Their unique understanding of the crisis equips them with the insights necessary for developing effective solutions, securing sustainable peace in the region, and becoming agents of change.