U.N. Humanitarian Chief Attends Sudan Event Highlighting Violence Against Women

The U.N. humanitarian chief joins an event in Sudan to raise awareness about violence against women, calling for global action to address the crisis amid ongoing conflicts.

On Monday, the United Nations humanitarian chief emphasized that the organization “must do better” in supporting the people of Sudan. He made this statement while attending an event in the war-torn nation aimed at raising awareness about violence against women.

“We need the world to hear your voices,” Tom Fletcher told the crowds gathered in Port Sudan at an event launching the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This year, their slogan is ‘You are not alone’.

“We need to improve. It’s essential that the phrase ‘You are not alone’ transcends being mere words spoken into a microphone during visits, and instead becomes central to our efforts,” he emphasized.

In mid-April 2023, Sudan descended into conflict as longstanding tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders erupted in the capital city of Khartoum, eventually spreading to other areas.

According to the UN, over 20,000 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict since then.

Approximately 14 million people, constituting 30% of the population, have been forcibly displaced within the country or across borders. The U.N. considers this situation one of the world’s most severe displacement crises.

Human Rights Watch has alleged that the paramilitary group opposing the military is committing widespread sexual violence against women, including instances of gang rape and forced marriages involving girls.

The international human rights organization additionally alleged that the military was involved in acts of sexual violence.

“Gender-based violence has long been an issue. However, since the outbreak of war in April last year plunged Sudan into a severe protection and gender-based violence crisis, there has been a noticeable rise in cases, particularly in conflict areas,” stated Shaza Ahmed, Executive Director of Nada Elazhar—a women-led organization that supports victims of such violence—during her attendance at the UN event on Monday.

The event’s launch has taken place on the same day as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.