Report details widespread use of sexual violence in Sudan war
source: UN News
published: 23 June 2026
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A new UN human rights report issued on Tuesday details the brutality and scale of conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan since war erupted in April 2023 and its profound, long-term impacts on victims, families and communities.
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, verified 546 incidents across 16 out of Sudan’s 18 states from the beginning of the conflict to mid-April of this year. At least 838 victims were affected and all but 15 were women and girls, but these figures represent only “the tip of the iceberg”.
The report finds that sexual violence has spread alongside both the conflict and displacement routes and has been used consistently to terrorise and traumatise civilians.
“Unless the patterns and impacts of conflict-related sexual violence are addressed through justice, victim-centred responses and efforts to tackle stigma and discrimination, peace and social cohesion in Sudan risk being undermined for years to come,” it said.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the findings confirmed his earlier warnings, following a visit to the country in January, that sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war.
“This is a war crime and, if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack, a crime against humanity,” he said.
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