The Security Council reconvened today to address the critical civilian protection crisis in Sudan’s war, which has been marked by horrific reports of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women, girls and even infants.

Slovenia strongly condemned all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. Deputy Permanent Representative Ondina Blokar Drobič demanded the provision of medical and psychological assistance to all survivors and called for urgently needed humanitarian access to all those in need.

Nearly two years into the conflict, the war in Sudan continues with no end in sight. Since the war broke out, the situation of civilians has deteriorated to appalling levels, with more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance this year, according to UNICEF. “16 million of them are children. They are paying a terrible price and enduring unimaginable suffering,” said Catherine Russel, UNICEF Executive Director.

In her speech, the Deputy Permanent Representative quoted UNICEF’s shocking report that “armed men are raping and sexually assaulting children, including infants as young as one year old, in the midst of nationwide conflict across Sudan.” She stressed that this is beyond inhuman and impossible to comprehend. This appalling violence must stop.

As the conflict continues, its brutality intensifies, with conflict-related sexual violence being weaponized, particularly against women and girls. “They have been subjected to rape, gang rape and other forms of sexual violence, forced into sexual slavery and marriage. Men and boys have not been spared either,” said the Deputy Permanent Representative.

It is imperative that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law, human rights law and basic humanity. Slovenia therefore called for urgent action to strengthen mechanisms to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities. In this regard, all perpetrators must be held accountable, impunity is unacceptable.

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