Human Rights Watch Accuses Sudanese Paramilitary of Sexual Violence

An international rights group accused a paramilitary faction in Sudan of sexual violence. Human Rights Watch urged the UN and African Union to protect civilians amid ongoing conflict. The RSF and military were blamed for brutality, restricted aid, and blocking survivors' access to emergency care.

An international rights group accused a paramilitary faction in war-stricken Sudan of committing widespread sexual violence against women, including rape, gang rape, and forced marriages. Human Rights Watch on Monday called for the UN and African Union to establish a joint mission to safeguard civilians in Sudan amidst persistent conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The rights group stated that the RSF perpetrated numerous acts of sexual violence in residential areas of Sudan's capital, Khartoum. The military was also accused of hindering survivors' access to emergency care and restricting humanitarian supplies to areas controlled by the RSF.

The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Sudan, leading to the deaths of over 14,000 people and displacing over 11 million. Human Rights Watch called for decisive measures to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and urged international bodies to hold violators accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)