Sudan

Protection Issues

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has persisted since the beginning of hostilities on 15th April 2023, resulting in widespread violence across various regions in Sudan, including Khartoum, Kordofan states, Darfur states, and Blue Nile state. Alarming reports indicate indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including markets and hospitals, as well as widespread looting of homes, humanitarian facilities, and critical records from public institutions such as courts and land offices. These distressing trends highlight the breakdown of the rule of law and institutions to protect the civilian population, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The protection of civilians remains a significant concern, with reports of escalating use of sexual and gender-based violence, targeted attacks on - or harm against - civilians based on ethnicity, grave violations of children's rights, family separations, theft, extortion, and the threat posed by unexploded ordnances. Moreover, the closure of schools and limited access to social services have increased the vulnerability of children to recruitment or association with armed groups.