Report details widespread use of sexual violence in Sudan war
Report details widespread use of sexual violence in Sudan war
Report details widespread use of sexual – As the conflict in Sudan enters its third year, a recent United Nations (UN) human rights report sheds light on the alarming scale of sexual violence in the war-torn region. This comprehensive analysis highlights how sexual violence has been systematically weaponized to terrorize civilians, destabilize communities, and serve as a tool of psychological and physical control. The report, released in June 2026, underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection, emphasizing that the use of sexual violence is not isolated but deeply embedded in the conflict’s fabric.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented over 546 verified cases of sexual violence across 16 of Sudan’s 18 states between the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023 and mid-April 2026. These cases impacted a minimum of 838 victims, with 85% being women and girls. However, the report warns that these numbers are likely underestimates, as many incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of access to justice. The widespread nature of these abuses has left deep scars on both individuals and the broader population.
Sexual violence as a weapon of war
Sexual violence has become a defining feature of the Sudanese conflict, used not only to inflict suffering but to weaken civilian resistance and solidify control over contested areas. The report reveals that perpetrators, including members of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and affiliated militias, have targeted vulnerable groups with precision, often during large-scale attacks or as a form of retaliation. This strategy has been reinforced by the displacement of civilians, which has created conditions ripe for exploitation and abuse.
“Without addressing the patterns and impacts of conflict-related sexual violence through justice, support for survivors, and efforts to combat stigma, Sudan’s peace and unity may face lasting challenges,” the report stated. This statement encapsulates the gravity of the situation, where sexual violence is not just an incident but a calculated act aimed at dismantling social cohesion and perpetuating cycles of trauma.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has expressed deep concern following his visit to Sudan in January 2026. He noted that sexual violence is being employed as a weapon to advance military goals, with perpetrators often targeting women and girls to instill fear. “This constitutes a war crime, and when part of a large-scale or systematic assault, it qualifies as a crime against humanity,” Türk emphasized, calling for immediate action to halt these atrocities.
Documented forms of sexual violence
The report outlines a range of documented sexual violence practices, including rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and trafficking for sexual exploitation. Of the verified cases, nearly a quarter involved gang rape, with one instance reported where at least 10 men assaulted a single girl. These acts are not random but are strategically used to dominate and humiliate, often in detention centers or during mass displacements.
Survivors of sexual violence have faced severe medical complications, exacerbated by the collapse of Sudan’s healthcare system. The report details how 85 women and girls were held in sexual slavery, subjected to forced labor or domestic servitude. Additionally, at least 13 victims—women, men, and children—died as a result of sexual violence, with the youngest fatality being a nine-year-old girl. These statistics reveal the multifaceted impact of sexual violence, extending beyond physical harm to psychological and socio-economic devastation.
Throughout the conflict, sexual violence has been a recurring tactic to suppress dissent and assert dominance. In West Darfur, for example, victims described being asked, “This year, all of you Masalit girls will deliver our children,” and “If you are Masalit, we will slaughter you today,” illustrating the ethnic targeting inherent in these acts. Such targeted violence has not only violated human rights but also deepened divisions within Sudanese society.
OHCHR has called for swift and independent investigations into all sexual violence incidents, stressing that impunity fuels further abuse. The report urges the conflicting parties to take concrete steps to protect civilians, such as implementing accountability mechanisms and providing survivors with access to legal and medical support. These measures are critical to ensuring justice and preventing the cycle of violence from continuing unchecked.