The International Service for Human Rights today issued a statement regarding the increasing violence against women. Sudanese women are facing an unprecedented crisis with escalating gender based violence. Since the military coup on October 2021, systemic violence against women increased across the country.
KHARTOUM OCTOBER 25: The International Service for Human Rights today issued a statement regarding the increasing violence against women. ISHR is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting and protecting human rights founded in 1984.
Today marks the first anniversary of the military coup of October 25th. A year after the military takeover, Sudanese women are facing an unprecedented crisis with escalating gender based violence (GBV), conflicts, hunger and political instability. Women protesters continue to lead resistance movements at the frontlines, demanding sustainable democratic change.
According to medical reports, at least 50 cases of sexual violence were reported since October 25th, 2021. Medical sources confirmed receiving over 20 cases of rape, among them 3 cases of gang rape by Sudanese security forces. Dozens of cases of sexual harassment and assault during protests and in police stations were reported by women rights groups since the military coup.
Women rights groups and WHRDs are struggling to protect the ground gained during the transitional period.There are systemic attacks on women’s participation in the public sphere which is shrinking the civic space for the work of WHRDs.
Since the military coup on October 25th, 2021, systemic violence against women increased across the country. The return of fundamental Islamic leaders to the political scene in support of the military led to an increase in oppression of women’s rights.
The statement is signed by 4 human rights organisations: Sudanese Women Rights Action, Noura Center for Combating Sexual Violence, The Regional Coalition for WHRDs in the Middle East and North Africa (WHRDMENA Coalition), International Service for Human Rights. The petition is written by Salma El Hosseiny, and can be downloaded in its entirety HERE.
Image: UN Photo/Tim McKulka
