Sudan Documents 190 Cases of Sexual Slavery Since Outbreak of War, Minister Says

Sudan’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare has documented 2,250 conflict-related incidents of rape, sexual violence, and sexual slavery since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, according to Minister of State Suleima Izhaq.

Speaking to Ultra Sudan, Suleima Izhaq said the ministry had recorded 2,250 cases of rape, sexual violence, and enslavement committed since fighting erupted in mid-April 2023.

She added that 224 child survivors had been identified among the victims, underscoring the devastating impact of these violations on children. The documented cases also include 190 verified incidents of sexual slavery.

Suleima Izhaq stressed that the reported figures represent only a small fraction of the actual scale of the violations, noting that social stigma, fear of reprisals, insecurity, and limited access to services in areas under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia continue to hinder reporting and documentation.

She called on the international community to condemn the grave violations committed by the RSF militia, take the necessary measures to designate it as a terrorist organization, hold those responsible for its crimes accountable, and increase funding for programs supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.