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UNFPA: sexual violence weaponised in Sudan war

UNFPA says rape and other sexual violence are being weaponised in Sudan’s war, leaving women and girls with severe physical and social harms while humanitarian services remain insufficient.

Mar 26th 2026 · Sudan

Insights

  • Sexual violence has been used as a form of warfare in Sudan’s civil war that began in April 2023, the UNFPA country representative says.
  • Women and girls are primary targets of rape and sexual violence intended to disintegrate communities, according to Fabrizia Falcione.
  • Survivors face trauma, injuries, risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, and often suffer social stigma.
  • UNFPA operates mobile health units and women-only safe spaces offering psychosocial support and skills training, but services remain limited.
  • About 9.3 million people are internally displaced in Sudan, mostly women and children, while roughly 3 million have returned to areas of origin.
  • Displaced women report they want to return home but need basic services and livelihoods to do so.

Sources