Lack of Medical Care for Sexual Violence Survivors in Sudan Deepens Humanitarian Crisis

September 8, 2024 – Khartoum, Sudan

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has created an increasingly dire situation for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Despite urgent calls for action, survivors remain without adequate access to essential medical care and psychological support, further exacerbating the already critical humanitarian crisis in the region. This growing issue has prompted warnings from United Nations (UN) experts, who have highlighted the devastating impact on those most vulnerable.

Growing Crisis of Sexual Violence

As the conflict in Sudan continues, reports of sexual violence against women and girls have surged, with many being targeted as part of systematic attacks on civilians. According to UN reports, the scale of sexual violence in Sudan is alarming, and the lack of adequate medical care has only worsened the situation. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have documented numerous cases where survivors have been denied access to proper medical treatment, including emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV, and treatment for physical injuries.

Many of these survivors are located in areas cut off from humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing fighting, making it difficult for aid agencies to reach them. In addition, healthcare facilities that do remain operational are overwhelmed and lack the necessary supplies to provide adequate care to victims. The lack of proper infrastructure and trained medical personnel further complicates efforts to address the needs of sexual violence survivors.

UN Warnings and Calls for Action

UN officials, including Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, have raised concerns about the inadequate response to the needs of survivors. Patten emphasized that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war, with survivors left to face the physical and emotional trauma of their experiences without proper support.

"The absence of medical care and psychosocial services for survivors of sexual violence in Sudan is deeply concerning," Patten said in a statement. "Without immediate intervention, we risk failing those who are already suffering immensely, compounding the trauma that they endure."

UN experts have called on the international community to increase funding and resources for healthcare services in Sudan, especially for facilities equipped to handle the needs of SGBV survivors. The experts have also urged the warring factions to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to affected areas so that aid can reach those in need.

The Impact on Survivors

The lack of access to healthcare services has far-reaching consequences for survivors of sexual violence. Without timely medical intervention, many face long-term health complications, including sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and untreated physical injuries. The absence of psychological support also leaves survivors vulnerable to long-term mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Furthermore, social stigmatization and fear of reprisal have prevented many survivors from seeking help, leaving them to suffer in silence. In some cases, survivors have been ostracized by their communities, further isolating them from essential support networks.

Broader Humanitarian Implications

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, fueled by the violent conflict between the SAF and the RSF, has left millions of people in need of urgent assistance. The UN estimates that over 24 million people, more than half the population, are currently in need of humanitarian aid, with the situation worsening by the day.

Sexual and gender-based violence is just one of many challenges facing the population. Food insecurity, displacement, and a collapsing healthcare system are compounding the suffering of the Sudanese people. The lack of international attention to the issue of sexual violence, in particular, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of survivors of sexual violence in Sudan," said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. "Their stories must be heard, and the international community must act to ensure that they receive the care and justice they deserve."

Conclusion

As the conflict in Sudan drags on, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are among the most vulnerable, yet they remain without the medical and psychological support they desperately need. The international community must prioritize addressing this issue by providing the necessary resources to ensure that survivors receive the care they need to recover from their trauma. Failure to do so risks deepening the humanitarian crisis and leaving the survivors of sexual violence to bear the brunt of the conflict's horrors.