The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses deep concern over the continued escalation of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, amid recurring violations, their expanding scope, and the persistent absence of effective accountability, which further exacerbates the suffering of survivors and entrenches a climate of impunity.
CFJ emphasizes that sexual violence no longer constitutes isolated or individual incidents, but has become a recurring pattern associated with the course of armed conflict in Sudan, targeting civilians—particularly women and girls—across a number of conflict-affected areas. Such acts constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and may, in certain circumstances, amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The Committee for Justice stresses that the protection of survivors must be at the center of any national or international response, including ensuring safe access to medical, psychological, and legal services, and providing a secure environment for reporting violations free from social stigma or retaliation, while fully respecting victims’ privacy and confidentiality.
CFJ further calls for independent, impartial, and effective investigations into all allegations of sexual violence, and for holding all perpetrators accountable regardless of their affiliations. The Committee underscores the importance of ensuring that those responsible for such crimes do not evade justice, as accountability remains one of the most critical safeguards against the recurrence of violations.
The Committee also highlights the importance of engaging community, traditional, and religious leaders in efforts to combat stigma associated with sexual violence, and to promote public awareness of the rights of survivors. Such efforts can help provide essential support to affected individuals and encourage the reporting of violations.
The Committee for Justice believes that ending impunity for sexual violence crimes constitutes a fundamental step toward protecting civilians, delivering justice for victims, and advancing the prospects for a sustainable peace based on justice and respect for human rights in Sudan.
