Women leaders and activists are facing unprecedented threats and violence as the crisis in Sudan enters its third week. Since the crisis began on April 15, hundreds of civilians have been killed, thousands injured, and 75,000 people internally displaced. Women and girls have been left acutely vulnerable to the fighting, with reports of sexual violence perpetrated against them by military forces. Women leaders in Sudan are facing threats to their lives, with reports of assassination lists against influential women activists, journalists and others. Those who are able to evacuate are presented with additional threats in their new countries.
In response the ongoing devastation, Vital Voices convened Sudanese women leaders May 2 inside and outside Sudan to report on the situation and recommend next steps for a path forward.
They made the following recommendations:
- Bring women to the forefront of peace negotiations and cease all fighting to protect citizens
- Endorse civilian rule and end the international support for military forces that continue to undermine the transition to democratic governance
- Ensure the protection of women and girls from sexual violence and hold those accountable for the violence perpetrated against them
- Open humanitarian corridors so citizens, and specifically women and girls, can access basic services
- Prioritize humanitarian needs and protection of pregnant women, newborn babies, mothers, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and others at acute risk and not able to flee the conflict.
- Hold a special session and investigation on the part of the UN Human Rights Council to document sexual and gender-based violence in the country.
This is a pivotal moment for the international community to stand beside women and girls in Sudan. Access to basic services, food, water, and electricity are limited. Over 60 percent of hospitals in Sudan are closed. Over 200,000 women are at risk of losing their lives and the lives of their children due to limited access to healthcare. Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are without access to support services.
To learn more, please read the Sudanese Women Rights Action brief, War in Sudan: Situation of Women and WHRDs.
To reach our Crisis Response Team, please email crisis@vitalvoices.org.