ALBAWABA - According to a report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), an alarming number of reported cases of women and girls being abducted, chained, and held in “inhuman, degrading slave-like conditions” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
More than six months ago, the opposing armies sparked a bloody civil war in the nation. Both inside and outside the African country, thousands have lost their lives and more than 5.7 million have been displaced. Currently, almost 25 million people are dependent on humanitarian relief.
According to press sources, representatives from the warring parties are right now meeting in Saudi Arabia for new peace negotiations, which are being led by the US and Saudi Arabia and include the East African regional organization, IGAD.
Over 20 women and girls have reportedly been abducted, according to survivors, witnesses, and other sources; however, Throssell hinted that the figure may be higher.
"On pick-up trucks and in cars, some sources have reported seeing women and girls in chains," the OHCHR Spokesperson Liz Throssell stated. She demanded that the kidnapped women and girls be released immediately and that those responsible be held accountable.
She restated the demands made by High Commissioner Volker Türk to top SAF, RSF, and associated armed group officials to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault among their ranks.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the deputy head of UNITAMS, said in a statement on Thursday: "At a time when so much hope is being placed on the Jeddah talks to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and facilitated humanitarian access, I call on all parties to refrain from escalating and expanding the conflict,".
"The toll this conflict is taking on civilians is unimaginable. Fighting needs to stop and parties to the conflict need to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian assistance to the millions of people in Sudan who desperately need it".
As of Thursday, the combined OHCHR-UNITAMS (the UN assistance mission) office in Sudan has received reports of over 50 incidences of sexual violence connected to the hostilities. These episodes affected a minimum of 105 victims, including 86 women, one man, and 18 children.
According to the office, individuals wearing RSF uniforms are responsible for at least 70% of the 37 confirmed cases of sexual violence that have been reported. There are eight armed males associated with the RSF, two persons wearing unidentified uniforms, and one incidence related to the SAF.
