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Hundreds of Sudanese Children Suffer 'Abhorrent' Sexual Violence

Sudan's conflict is having a devastating effect on children, as a new report by Unicef paints a "searing" picture of the abuses being carried out, including against infants. More than 200 rape cases have been recorded against children since the beginning of 2024, but the "figures represent only a small fraction of total cases", Unicef said, citing the unwillingness of families to speak.

"Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action,'' Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell said. She noted that millions of children in the country are at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence, which is being used as a tactic of the war. "This is an abhorrent violation of international law and could constitute a war crime. It must stop.''

The Unicef statement has urged the government of Sudan and all parties to respect their obligations under international law to protect civilians, especially children.

InFocus

Albert González Farran

Displaced children stand at the UNAMID compound in Saraf Omra, North Darfur.

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