UNITED NATIONS: Concerned about the severe effects of Sudan's continued deadly conflict on women and girls, UN Women has called for immediate action against sexual violence.
"UN Women shares the deep concern of our partners on the ongoing war in Sudan. Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, said in a statement late Friday that "as in all crises, this will undoubtedly have dire and disproportionate effects on the lives of Sudanese women and girls." We remain devoted to helping the people of Sudan and stand in solidarity with them, she said.
Bahous reportedly remarked that instances of sexual and gender-based violence "are already surfacing" and expressed concern that "they will only grow more frequent." "The strength of Sudanese women as humanitarian workers, caretakers, and protectors is an inspiration, and their tenacity is a source of hope for the pursuit of peace. We must pay attention to their pleas for peace and a cease-fire, and pledge to assist them in everything they undertake, she urged.
UN Women appeals to all parties to take all necessary precautions to reduce the danger and to make sure that no women or girls are impacted by these crimes. In order to allow for "the continued delivery of essential humanitarian assistance and a return to dialogue," Bahous joined UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in calling for an urgent ceasefire in Sudan for Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the conclusion of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.
More than 400 perons have already died as a result of the ongoing fighting between Sudan's Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which started on April 15.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) had issued a warning the day before the UN Women's appeal, stating that the intense fighting was putting tens of thousands of pregnant women in danger and making it too dangerous for them to leave their homes to seek immediate medical attention.
In Khartoum, the capital city and the focus of the violence, UNFPA estimates that there are 219,000 pregnant women, 24,000 of whom are due to give birth soon.
Sudan's healthcare system has not been spared by the turmoil. In Khartoum, the violence has caused the closure of at least 20 hospitals. According to the report, 12 more hospitals around the nation are now open but may soon have to close due to frequent power and water outages and personnel shortages.
Roadblocks and continued fighting prevent doctors, nurses, and hospital staff from coming to work, and essential humanitarian aid is not getting through, leaving medical facilities overworked, understaffed, and short on important medical supplies.
UNFPA warned that if the violence continues, there is a chance that the health system may fail and pregnant women and their unborn children will perish.
As protection services are disrupted by the fighting, the agency expressed worry for the 3.1 million women and girls who are at higher risk of gender-based violence that might terminate their lives.
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