The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to widespread sexual violence, which is a cause for concern among the international community.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has lasted for 18 months, has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions. Despite being one of the worst crises in the world, the situation in Sudan is being overshadowed by the conflict in the Middle East, causing it to be overlooked by global attention.

The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has released a new 80-page report that highlights how militias are targeting women. The report accuses both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the army's former paramilitary allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), of engaging in rampant sexual violence.

The report from the U.N. highlights the widespread sexual violence and human rights violations in Sudan, which affect civilians of all ages, from 8 to 75. The report states that Sudanese women and girls are being abducted for sexual slavery, with the RSF being accused of being responsible for the majority of cases. Additionally, the mission reports credible accounts of men and boys being subjected to rape and gang-rape.

The conflict has intensified the issue of a limited number of medical services, leaving hospitals and clinics destroyed and preventing victims from receiving necessary medical care.

The extent of sexual violence in Sudan is overwhelming, according to mission Chair Mohamed Chande Othman, who stated that the situation is extremely concerning and requires immediate attention.

Women are facing sexual atrocities that are driving them to take their lives, either as a result of the brutality they have experienced or to escape it entirely. Human rights groups have raised concerns about these abuses.

In April 2023, Sudan's brutal war broke out due to a power struggle between the SAF and the RSF group, resulting in an all-out war. Recently, intense clashes in east-central Sudan led to the killing of over 100 people. The U.N. reported that the RSF committed atrocities, including shooting civilians, sexually abusing women and girls, and looting properties.

Almost 25 million people in Sudan require humanitarian aid as the country experiences escalating violence, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres stated to the Security Council this week.

Despite the imminent collapse of Sudan, foreign aid remains inadequate. Only half of the $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal for the Northeast African country has been funded. Meanwhile, the country is facing the world's worst famine in forty years, yet it remains overlooked and overshadowed by the Middle East conflict.