In times of conflict and displacement, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are at risk due to limited access to contraception, increased risk of STIs, and higher probability of unsafe sexual practices, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Migration is linked to higher rates of sexual abuse and gender-based violence (GBV), and women and girls are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of disrupted access to essential services, such as unplanned pregnancy, maternal mortality and morbidity, sexual and reproductive injuries, and STIs, including those stemming from conflict-related sexual violence.

The conflict in Sudan has severely impacted access to essential medical care, including reproductive health services for pregnant women. 28 medical facilities have been attacked and destroyed, leading to the death of 8 people and the injury of 18 more. This has put the lives of pregnant women and their babies in danger, with an estimated 479,000 women needing urgent and vital reproductive health services. As a result, women and girls face life-threatening conditions due to a lack of access to care and communication. The United Nations Population Fund strongly condemns the attack on a maternity hospital in Khartoum, which demonstrates the devastating impact of the conflict on Sudanese women and families. They emphasise that medical facilities and hospitals should be kept safe from attack and that women and girls must have access to life-saving health services. To guarantee women can access vital care, the UN Secretary-General has urged all sides to end the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution. UNFPA reiterates the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate end to the fighting and requests all sides to keep to their responsibilities under international humanitarian and human rights law to safeguard civilians and the right to health. Humanitarian and medical personnel must be able to deliver urgent health services, materials, and medicines safely and rapidly to those who need them.

The conflict in Sudan has severely impacted the health and protection of women and girls, leading to shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and essential medicines. UNFPA and CAFA Development Organization have provided aid to two hospitals, allowing for 1,000 deliveries and Caesarean sections to be performed, as well as providing sexual and reproductive health supplies. Additionally, UNFPA plans to implement solar power systems in maternity wards, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Humanitarian Response Plan aims to assist 24.7 million people in 2023, with 11 million needing healthcare. Access to midwives is crucial to avoiding preventable maternal and newborn deaths. UNFPA has provided training and support to 27,000 midwives in Sudan, allowing pregnant women to receive safe births in their homes. Over the past two years, UNFPA has provided training to 460 midwives, and they are taking huge risks to reach pregnant women in remote communities. Sudan is one of the world’s poorest countries, and the recent conflict has put many lives at risk. UNFPA is committed to providing aid to vulnerable women and girls and protecting medical centres, despite the risks of the crisis.

The conflict in Sudan has severely impacted women and girls, with an increased risk of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and abuse. Over 1.2 million people have been internally displaced, and women and girls are particularly vulnerable due to lack of access to protection services. Women groups and Women’s human rights defenders are leading the response to the crisis, providing food and medical care, organising evacuations, and supporting survivors of SGBV. UNFPA is dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health and supporting women and girls in Sudan. They have provided resources and training to equip health service providers, sent over 19,000 safe birth kits and supplies, and trained midwives on the clinical management of rape. UN Women is calling for all parties to ensure that no woman or girl is affected by sexual and gender-based violence and that every instance is investigated and prosecuted. UN Women Sudan is working to create laws and policies that address gender-based violence and provide support for survivors, but data collection issues, ICC indictments, and social stigma hinder the process. In Sudan, the prevalence and gravity of violence against women and girls is a significant obstacle to human development and the achievement of peace. The country does not adhere to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), meaning there is a lack of adequate legislation to protect women and girls from violence.

The recent attacks on civilian infrastructure and looting of homes have violated International Humanitarian Law and caused grave concern due to their indiscriminate nature and the harm inflicted on civilians. Breaches of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law are worsening the humanitarian crisis. The intricate and interconnected security problems in this prolonged disaster are deteriorating with limited access to aid, rights, justice, and responsibility. People in certain parts of the nation are still subject to continued and new conflicts, causing civilian casualties and displacement as people look for safety. To ensure that all parties to the conflict focus on protecting civilians and take actions to avoid or reduce harm during hostilities, reinforcing International Humanitarian Law is essential.

On 11 May 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed a Declaration of Commitment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that would guarantee adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. However, reports of violence persisted, clashes continued, and humanitarian initiatives have been greatly hindered. As a result, humanitarian personnel had to be relocated, and certain humanitarian efforts had to be temporarily stopped. Women professionals in healthcare and other local humanitarian initiatives are facing accusations of treason from senior military officers, threatening the work of NGOs, professional syndicates, and local crisis responses.

In May, the UN Human Rights Council held its 36th Special Session to discuss the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with particular attention to the devastating humanitarian crisis and its impacts on women and girls. The Women’s Human Rights Defenders have called on the Council to establish an investigation mechanism to investigate threats against them, halt hostilities, protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and amplify the voices of Sudanese Women’s Rights Defenders.

The lack of a unified strategy and consensus among the key players is hindering the success of the international response to the Sudanese conflict. Furthermore, the intricate nature of the conflict makes it challenging to find an acceptable solution for all parties involved. The obstacles to humanitarian response to the recent conflict in Sudan are numerous, including an unstable political environment, financial constraints, and a lack of resources. These factors have made it difficult for aid workers to access those in need and deliver assistance. To address the human rights violations in Sudan, some solutions include implementing international sanctions against those responsible, providing increased access to humanitarian aid, and urging international action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, there should be measures in place to combat gender-based violence.

Women are disproportionately affected by conflict and security issues, yet their involvement in leadership and peace initiatives is inadequate and often tokenistic. Women’s rights activists must be included in the peace process, and meaningful solutions must be identified. Strategies must be implemented to ensure women are included in decision-making processes and their voices are heard. UN Women is working to empower women in Sudan by promoting their leadership and political participation and building capacity in relevant fields. This will ultimately lead to increased women’s involvement in local and national elections and the constitutional review process.

UN Women Sudan works to empower women and increase their capacity and engagement in peace-building initiatives. Feminists in Sudan are leading the charge for peace with initiatives such as Feminists for Peace which emphasises the importance of considering the experiences and perspectives of women. Sudanese women have been a source of resilience and hope, essential in pursuing peace and inspiring others through their humanitarian work, care and protection. We must listen to their calls for a ceasefire and peace and support them in their efforts.