UNICEF Report Confirms Rape of Children as Young as One During Sudan Violence

A special report by the UNICEF confirms that children as young as one year old were reportedly amongst survivors of rape during Sudan’s violent conflicts. In the same press note, UNICEF calls for urgent international efforts to protect and support children in Sudan.

The data compiled by the UN agency on gender based violence in Sudan suggests that 221 rape cases came to light against children since the beginning of 2024. These figures only represent a small fraction of the actual cases, survivors, and their families are often unwilling to come forward due to fear of stigma, rejection, retribution from armed forces or challenges in accessing resources.

UNICEFF’s Take

“Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action, said UNICEF executive Director Catherine Russell. “Millions of children in Sudan are at risk of all forms of sexual violence, which is being used as a tactic of war, this is a gross violation of international law and could constitute a war crime. It must stop,” added Russell.

Of the total child rape survivors reported, 66% are girls while 33% boys who survived rape are at the risk of facing social stigma and the unique challenge of reporting, seeking help and accessing services.