Adala For All Association stands in solidarity with the women and girls in Sudan who are being brutally targeted by sexual violence

As women from Africa and the diaspora, we have signed this open letter to express our solidarity with women and girls in Sudan who are being targeted in a relentless campaign of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and to appeal for the urgent initiation of international protection measures and accountability mechanisms.

The war in Sudan began in April 2023 and has been described as a conflict fought on the bodies of women and girls. A total absence of protection for women and girls heightens the risk of sexual and gender-based violence.

Distressing reports have emerged of rape, gang rape, and forced ‘marriages’, with many of these violations occurring in people’s homes.[1]

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported cases involving gang rape of girls as young as nine, and of older women, including a sixty-year-old woman in Khartoum North who was raped alongside her daughter and granddaughter. Women and girls have also been raped in front of male family members.[2]

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) documented similar violations, with women and girls being abducted from their homes, held for several days in various locations and raped repeatedly by multiple perpetrators.[3]

In Darfur, chilling evidence is emerging of rape once again being used as a weapon of war.

Since November 2023, in El Geneina, Western State, women have reported being sexually assaulted due to their ethnicity. Many of the survivors are from the Masalit community, of African ethnic origin. However, women from Arab tribes were also targeted if they were married to darker skinned men or have children with a darker skin tone.[4]

Women and girls are also being abducted. A 23-year-old woman from North Kordofan state was taken against her will to South Darfur. She eventually escaped but returned home pregnant.[5] A woman from Omdurman, who was kidnapped along with her three young children, was subjected to sexual violence for six months. She was later informed her children would be killed unless she became a spy. She is currently in a protection centre, haunted by fears for her children, who are still being held.[6]

There are also reports of sexual exploitation of women in Omdurman who are forced into transactional sex with soldiers to receive humanitarian aid, or access to abandoned properties where they forage for items to sell to feed their families.[7]

The targeting of hospitals, schools and medical staff has exacerbated the physical and mental anguish of survivors of CRSV.[8] The consequent lack of access to specialist treatment and psychosocial assistance heightens the suffering of deeply traumatised survivors, causing some to commit suicide.[9] 

We believe that a persistent failure to address CRSV has entrenched impunity. Leaders and soldiers from the military and armed groups are yet to face consequences at national, regional or international level for the recent brutal campaign in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where sexual violence was employed systematically as a weapon of war, bearing the genocidal hallmarks of events in Rwanda and Bosnia.[10]

Accountability erodes impunity, and its continuing absence emboldens perpetrators in Sudan and beyond. We, therefore, urge regional and international actors to take the following steps to assist women and girls in Sudan:

·       Close the protection gap created by the premature winding down of UNAMID and UNITAMS as a matter of urgency,[V1]  and implement effective measures to protect women and girls from CRSV.

·       Facilitate a human rights monitoring and documentation mandate to coordinate regional and international efforts by renewing the UN Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission and supporting the complementary investigations of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights fact-finding mission on Sudan.

·       For decades, rape has been used as a weapon of war in Sudan.  Justice and accountability are vital for an enduring peace; therefore, the mandate of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor to investigate incidents of sexual violence which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity should be extended across the whole country, and perpetrators be brought to justice, including those who hold command responsibility.

·       Given the persistent failure to secure a ceasefire, it is imperative that community groups that provide humanitarian assistance, including shelter, safe havens and psychosocial therapies, are supported and resourced. Humanitarian workers must also receive adequate protection as they operate at great personal risk in challenging circumstances.  

Finally, although Sudanese women were at the forefront of pro-democracy movements, they are woefully underrepresented in the ongoing peace negotiations. A concerted effort must be made to ensure women are sufficiently represented, and that all negotiations include a recognition of the appalling impact of CRSV on survivors and their families, and firm assurances that all identified perpetrators will be held accountable.

Women from Africa, of African descent and the diaspora

1. Abirami Raveendran, London for Sudan and Madaniya, UK

2. Adah Mbah Muyang, Executive Director, Mother of Hope Cameroon (Mocham)

3. Adla AbuBakar, SIHA Network, Sudan

4. Afaf Badr, Women’s Rights Activist, UK

5. Afaf Osman, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

6. Afef Ibrahim Arbab, Lawyer, Sudan

7. Agnes Nanjala, Social Worker, Focus for Hope Organization, Kenya

8. Aida Amroussai, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia

9. Alawia Mokhtar Bahrelden, Darfur Women’s Platform, Sudan

10. Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, Award winning Women & Girls Rights Advocate, FGM Consultant, Founder A Girl At A Time, Sierra Leone

11. Aluel Atem, Gender expert and SIHA advisor, South Sudan

12. Amal El Shiekh, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, UK

13. Amal Omer Mousa Akasha, Novelist and writer, Sudan

14. Aman Gabriel Mohamed Elhasan, Human Rights Activist, Sudan/Uganda

15. Amani Ibrahim Mahgoub, Sudanese Women’s Union

16. Ameera Abbas, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

17. Amel Farouk Abu-Eissa, Politician and Journalist, Sudan

18. Amel Taha Hussien, Aown for Legal, Sudan

19. Annet Ajok, African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), Uganda

20. Asia Ahmed Said Ahmed, Sudanese Advocate, Germany

21. Asma Mohamed Abdel Halim, Professor, University of Toledo, USA

22. Asmahan AbdulSalam, Board member, SIHA Network, Somaliland

23. Asmahan Nouman, Oprational manager in care sector, UK/ Eritrea

24. Auxilia Hokororo OSB, Benedictine Sisters of Ndanda, Tanzania

25. Awatif Hussein Al Sayed, Public Relations Officer, Qatar Diabetes Association, Qatar

26. Awatif Ishag Ahmed, Darfur’s Defenders Alliance, Sudan

27. Ayak Chol, Peace Catalysts Organization, Uganda

28. Babil Ishag, Lawyer, Debora Centre for Advocacy and Legal Consultations, Uganda

29. Béatrice Mukamugwiza, Director, Xaveri, Rwanda

30. Beatrice Tavares da Souza, Association Entraide des Femmes Catholiques du Sénégal

31. Bridgita Samba, Secretary General, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, ACWECA, Kenya

32. Beverly Peguese-Tucker, President, Windows International Network Board of Directors, USA

33. Catherine Nyirenda, Teacher, Malawi

34. Doaa Idris Saifldeen, Boon for Sustainable Developing Goals Initiative, Sudan

35. Dr Abeir Imneina, Director of the Washm Center for Women’s Studies, Libya

36. Dr Asha K A Elkarib, The Sudanese Organization for Research and Development (SORD)

37. Dr Connie N Maina Sozi, Partner and Solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors, Kenya & UK

38. Dr Ebtisam Sanhouri, Ass. Prof of Constitutional Law & Human Rights, University of Khartoum, Sudan

39. Dr Gloria Kwashi, President, Zambiri Outreach and Childcare Centre, Nigeria

40. Dr Khataza Gondwe, Head of Advocacy and Africa Middle East Team Leader, CSW, UK & Malawi

41. Dr Mona Obeid, Sudanese Activist, UK

42. Dr Mwenza Blell, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, UK

43. Dr Najwan Shamseldin, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society, Sudan

44. Dr Omima Eissa Osman, Sudanese Physician, UK

45. Dr Sara Belali, Consultant Psychologist, UK

46. Dr Selam Kidane, Psychologist, Co-Founder, Release Eritrea

47. Dr. Sylvia Ruambo, Founder and Executive Director, Support for Future Foundation (S4F), Tanzania

48. Eatidal Awad, Nursing Auxillary; Health Care Assistant, UK

49. Eatzaz Mohammed Abker, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

50. Ebtisam Gumma, SIHA Network, Sudan

51. Ebtisam Tag Elsir, Radio Dabanga, Netherlands

52. Ekhlas Abdulah Isam, Civil Society Activist, Sudan/ Egypt

53. Ekhlas Osman, Activist

54. Elizabeth Chyrum, Director, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea

55. Enas Mansour Gumaa, Peace Supporters, Sudan

56. Eshraga Abdalfadiel, Foster Carer, UK

57. Eshraga Osman Sultan, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

58. Etimad Elmiraway, Nuba Mountains’ Mothers, Sudan

59. Fadwo Hassan, Woman and Child Cluster Association, Somalia

60. Faith Tatu Mwadime, Kenya National Council of Catholic women (KNCCW) World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (CUCWO), Kenya

61. Faiza El Saig, The Sudanese Women’s Union, UK

62. Fathiya Emhemad, Human Rights Defender, Munaser Organisation, Libya

63. Favorlouisa C. Mbaneme, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Jigawa State Office, Dutse

64. Florence Adong, Uganda

65. Ghada Abbas Ahmad, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan

66. Gisma Mohammed Elhaj Musa, Human Rights Defender, Eritrea

67. Hadeel Gafar, Human Rights Activist, Sudan

68. Hadia Talsam, Singer, Al Balabel band, Sudan

69. Hala Alkarib, Regional Director, SIHA Network, Uganda

70. Hala Eltahir, Physician, UK

71. Hanadi Fadol, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

72. Hanan Babiker, Former Head of the Sudanese Women’s Union, UK

73. Hanan Mustafa Hamed, Physician, UK

74. Hanin Boushosha, Director of Nuasi Organisation for Studies and Development, Libya

75. Hannah Gazal, British/ Libyan Activist, Interpreter and Co- chair Caerphilly for Palestine, UK

76. Haram Osman Ahmed Elsheikh, Lawyer, USA

77. Hawa Hamad Mohamed, Dermatologist, UK

78. Helen Berhane, Former Prisoner of Conscience and Religious Freedom Activist, Eritrea

79. Hon Julia Duncan-Cassell, Former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (Liberia) and President of the Europe External Programme with Africa  Liberia/Brussels

80. Houta Chalchoul Ayadi, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia

81. Huda Giha, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

82. Hwayda Hussein Ahmed Mursal, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

83. Ikhlas Al-Sir Abdul Rahman, Women Against War, Sudan

84. Ikhlas Mahmoud, President, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Sudan   

85. Iman Khair, Policy Specialist, UK

86. Iman Mustafa Hamad, Activist, UK

87. Inaam Attig, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

88. Inass Bakhiet Salah, Housewife, UK

89. Intisar Ibrahim, Learning Support Assistant, UK

90. Intisar Mohamed Ali, Poet, Sudan

91. Intisar Yosif, Journalist, UK

92. Jackline Nasiwa, Center for Inclusive Governance Peace & Justice (CIGPJ), South Sudan

93. Jasmin Mohamed, Human Rights Activist, Sudan

94. Jeddah Abdallah Zakaria, UK

95. Jestina M. Mukoko, Founder and President, Jestina Mukoko Foundation, Zimbabwe

96. Joyce Peter, Taraba State Judiciary, Nigeria

97. Kaltun Qasim, SIHA Network, Somalia

98. Kawther Omer, Setna Volunteer Organisation, UK

99. Keziah Makena Gitonga, Humanitarian, Social Justice Advocate, Women and Girls Rights Advocate, Kenya/UK

100. Khadija Abdullah Al Bouishi, My Right Organisation for Libyan Women’s Rights

101. Khadija Omar Al Ouarfali, Human Rights Lawyer, Libyan Organisation for Development

102. Khalda Elhafiz, Sudanese Activist, UK

103. Khalda Saber Hassan Ahmed, Heya Feminist Initiative, Sudan

104. Khawla Bsikri, Libyan Civil Rights Activist, Libya

105. Lamia Abbas Abdel Halim, Activist, Sudan

106. Lilia Weslaty, Adala for All Association, Tunisia

107. Lubna Abdalla, kaen Women journalists, Sudan

108. Lubna Idriss Hassan Ahmed, Communications Engineer, Sudan

109. Ludan Gaffar Mahjoub, Activist, Sudan

110. Maha Abdullah Suliman, Activist, UK

111. Maha Ragab Mohamed, Lawyer, Sudan

112. Mahaa Alniel     Learning Support Assistant, UK

113. Mahasin Abdelgadir Awad, Darfur Bar Association, Sudan

114. Mahasin Abu Al-Qasim Muhammad Al-Hassas, Women’s Rights, Protecting women from violence

115. Mahasin Al-Qaddal, University of Khartoum Alumni Association, Executive Committee Member, UK

116. Mai Awad Ali Albashir, Health and Wellbeing Assistant, Scotland, UK

117. Maisson Hassan, Artist, UK

118. Manas Matta Alkawas, Hunan Rights Activist, Sudan

119. Mardia Musa Namnam, Sudanese Human Rights Defender, Uganda

120. Mariama Yahia Ibraheem, Tahrir Anisa Foundation, USA

121. Marwa Elhaj, Journalist, UK

122. Marwa Habil, Civil Society Activist and Journalist at Al-Wasat TV, Libya

123. Marwa Mohammed, Justice Africa Sudan

124. Mashair Saeed, Former Chairperson University of Khartoum Alumni, UK

125. Mawahib Majzoub Mohammed, Women Advancing Security in Sudan (WASS), Sudan

126. Mayme Claire Williams, M.D. Pediatrician, USA

127. Mayson Musa Arabi, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, UK

128. Mercy Owuor, SIHA Network, Kenya

129. Mervat Hamadelneil Osman Bakheit, Sudanese Center on People Empowerment (SCOPE), Sudan

130. Michaela Wate, Artist, UK

131. Mira ben Salah, Queer Feminist Activist, Tunisia

132. Mona Abuelgasim Mohamed Elhassan, Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan/Egypt

133. Mona Elbashir, Journalist, Sudan

134. Mona Salih Abdulaziz, Legal Adviser, Libya Crimes Watch, Libya

135. Monica Wambui, Kenya National Council of Catholic Women

136. Nabiha Jibril, Quman Women Development Association, Somali Region, Ethiopia

137. Nada Faroog Abdalfatah, Freelance Journalist, Germany

138. Nadia Chawachi, Human Rights Lawyer,  Tunisia

139. Nagat Hussein Abdella, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, Sudan

140. Nagat M Abdelgadir, Sudanese Pharmacist and Activist, UK

141. Nagla Abdelrahman Grafi, Lawyer, Canada

142. Nagla Mohamed Ali, Sudanese Advocate, France

143. Nahla Mahmoud, activist and environment campaigner, UK

144. Nahid Idress Adam, Journalist, Qatar

145. Nahla Abdelsalam Nimir, Justice Center, Sudan

146. Nahla Yousif Mohamed Ahmed, Almostagball for Enlightenment and Development Organisation, Sudan/Uganda

147. Najlaa Ahmed, Legal advisor at Rights for Peace, UK

148. Najwa Ali Ahamadi, Lawyer and Executive Director of the Libyan Legal Aid Organisation

149. Nawal Abugisisa, Lawyer, Sudan

150. Nawal Hassan Elsheikh, Teacher, UK

151. Nibras El Sayed El Damerdash, Housewife & Refugee, Egypt

152. Noora Obeid, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society, UK

153. Nourhan Moustafa, Legal Advisor, Libya Crimes Watch (LCW), Libya

154. Omaima Abdullah Deen, Former President of the Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners, UK

155. Omaima Ahmed El Mustafa, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan

156. Omayma Elmardi, Director of Neswa Organization, Sudan

157. Omima Elsherief, Lawyer, Promising Voices Foundation for Human Rights, Switzerland/Egypt

158. Omima Yagwb, Human Rights Activist

159. Onaheed Osman Ahmed Albashir, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners, UK

160. Patricia Donkor, Attorney, Ghana

161. Prof. Fatima Babikir, Founder of the Pan Africa Women’s Liberation Organisation (PAWLO), UK

162. Raga Ahmed, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners Association, UK

163. Raga Khairi Yousif, Sudanese Activist, UK

164. Raga Shamikh, Women’s Rights Activist, Calam Association, Tunisia

165. Raga Tamim, Sama Foundation for Advocacy and Human Rights

166. Rana Abdelghaffar Abdelrahim, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender, Sudan

167. Randa Azhari Badawi, Anesthesiologist

168. Rania Amin, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

169. Rania Mohamed Adam, Sudanese Advocate and Human Rights Defender

170. Rania Suleiman, Behaviour therapist, UK

171. Razaz Salih, Office Manager, UK

172. Rebicca Alkawas, Sudanese teacher, Sudan

173. Reel Mahmoud, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

174. Reel Mohamed Abdelhay, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

175. Rimaz Salih, Researcher, Governance Coordinator, UK

176. Rita Alema Kahsay, Director, Irob Anina Civil Society, Tigray Ethiopia

177. Rita Mazzocchi, Trustee Sanctuary Foundation, Secretary, Horn of Africa Civil Society Forum

178. Ritaj Ibrahim, Executive Director of Kun Libya, Libya

179. Salma El Hosseiny, Senior Programme Manager at ISHR,              Switzerland

180. Salma John, Rural Education for Development Organization (REDO), Uganda

181. Salma Zarroug, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

182. Salwa Abdelwahab Noureldayem Saied, Activist, Canada

183. Salwa Karkon Mali, Nuba Mountains Lawyers Union, Sudan

184. Salwa Saeed, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan

185. Samia El Hashmi, Lawyer and Civil Society Leader, Sudan

186. Sana Suliam Khareef, Justice Centre for Advocacy and Legal Consultations, Sudan

187. Sanaa Elsabag, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

188. Salomé Diouf, Headteacher, Sénégal

189. Sara Abdelgalil, Pediatric Consultant, UK

190. Sara Chitseko, Racial Justice Campaigner, UK

191. Sara Suliman, Film Director, Sudan

192. Sarah Akoru Lochodo, Chief Kainuk Location, Turkana County, Kenya, 2010 Joan B. Krock Institute for Peace and Justice Women Peace Maker, Kenya

193. Sarah Nugdalla , Women’s Rghts Advocate and University Professor, Sudan

194. Sarah-Derval Lifanda, Hope of Africa-HOFA, Cameroon

195. Sawsan Yahya Omer, Sudanese Human Rights Lawyer, Sudan

196. Shadia Jaafar, Sudanese Activist

197. Shima Hassan, Activist, UK

198. Shimaa Bin Hameeda, Human Rights Activist, Tunisia

199. Shiraz Jamma, Lawyer, Sudanese Lawyers and Legal Practitioners Association UK

200. Shurooq Nas, Singer, Sudan

201. Sieza Al-Hajj Al-Tahir, Legal translator, Sudan/Qatar

202. Siham Awad Sidahmed, The Regional Centre for Training and Development of Civil Society

203. Somaia Elshiekh Shambati, Human Rights Lawyer, The INSAF campaign for transitional justice, Sudan

204. Somaia Ishag, The Sudanese Women’s Union, UK

205. Sonah Paton, Founding Director, Black Mothers Matter, UK

206. Sr Agnes Jonas, Teresian Sisters, Malawi

207. Sr Agnes Khati, Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, Kenya

208. Sr Alexina Moraa Okerio

209. Sr. Ann Grace Njau, Missionary Nun, Kenya

210. Sr Beatrice Mary Ayieko, Franciscan Sisters of St Anna, Kenya

211. Sr Daniela Alborghetti, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Tanzania

212. Sr Editruda Mbegu, Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, Tanzania

213. Sr. Ester Mudhovozi, Nun, Zimbabwe

214. Sr Felicita Humwara, Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus South Sudan

215. Sr Grace Kyomugisha, Sisters of our Lady of Good Counsel, Uganda

216. Sr Grace Yangi, Association of the Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), Kenya

217. Sr Hellen Nanjala Simiyu, Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, Kenya

218. Sr Josephrida Lucia Matumaini, Sisters of St Joseph, Mombasa, Kenya

219. Sr Marion Arrey HHCJ, Missionary, Cameroon

220. Sr Martina Mulumbwa Kabole, Franciscan Missionaries St Joseph, Lamu county, Kenya

221. Sr Mary Digna, Tanzania Catholic Association of Sisters

222. Sr Odiaga Agnes, Sisters of St Joseph, Kenya

223. Sr Perpetua Apo, Sisters of St. Louis, Ethiopia

224. Sr Sarah Kitheka, St Joseph Sisters, Mombasa, Kenya

225. Sr. Christine Mwangi, Sisters of Emmanuel, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, (ACWECA), Kenya

226. Sr. Dr. Josephine Kangogo Keino

227. Sr. Elizabeth Muleya, Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, Zambia

228. Sr. Leonidah Mukwilu Shimanyula, Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa Secretariat, Kenya

229. Sr Liberata Domician Kamugisha,Daughters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Bukoba, Tanzania

230. Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Zambia

231. Sr. Rosemary M. Kilonzo, Teacher, Kwale County- Mombasa, Kenya.

232. Sr. Senait Berhe, Good Samaritan Sisters, Eritrea

233. Sr. Soeur Véronique Mambo, UMOF Côté d’Ivoire

234. Sr. Teresita Omana Thomas, Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, Tanzania

235. Sulafa Obeid, The Sudanese Lawyer’s Democratic Front, Sudan

236. Susan Labwot, SIHA Network, Uganda

237. Suzannah Mirghani, Film director, Sudan

238. Tagwa Osman, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

239. Tahani Abaas, No to Women’s Oppression, Kenya

240. Tamador Hamza, Poet and Writer, Sudan

241. Teamrat Belai, CST Ethiopia, Country Director, Ethiopia

242. Teman Liti Agera, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CSW Nigeria

243. Tsitsi Dangarembga, Author, Zimbabwe

244. Um Kolthoum Adam, UK

245. Wafaa Eltahir, Sudan Women Action Group (SWAG), UK

246. Wedad Alsharige, Independent human rights defender, Libya

247. Wigdan Abdulazeez Mohamed Ali, Physician, UK

248. Youstina George Sikla, Engineer, Sudan

249. Zamzam Ali Mohamed Osman, Lawyer, Sudan

250. Zeinab Abdelbakheit Adam Abdelrahman, Emergency medicine consultant at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Olala refugee camp, Ethiopia

251. Zeinab Ealjack Abdullah, Human right Activist, Uganda

252. Zemdena Abebe, SIHA Network, Ethiopia

253. Zuhal Khamis Moos, Zamzam IDP camp, Northern Darfur, Sudan

This letter is also supported by the following women:

1. Afrah Shawgi, Journalist, Iraq

2. Annie Bigg, Activist in Britain, UK

3. Annie Raja. General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) India

4. Christina Reed-Richard, Physiotherapist, UK

5. Dr Willow Berridge, Senior Lecturer in History, Newcastle University, UK

6. Emma DiNapoli, Human Rights Lawyer, UK

7. Frances Clark Jewitt, Charity Worker, UK

8. Julie Bardeche, Senior Legal Advisor, REDRESSUK

9. Katherine Macleod, Musician, UK

10. Lana Sadeq, Activist, Palestine

11. Lauren Sutherland, Occupational Therapist, UK

12. Nada Al Khawwam, Writer and Journalist, Iraq

13. Naya Rajab, Independent feminist advocate and School Director of Transat MENA, Syria

14. Rebecca Tinsley, Founder, Waging Peace, UK

15. Sam McGill, Activist in Britain, UK

16. Sana AL Badwi, Freelance journalist, Yemen

17. Shabnam Hashim, Anhad, India

18. Shimaa Bin Hameeda, Activist, Afghanistan

19. Sonja Miley, Co-Executive Director, Waging Peace, UK

20. Soraya M Deen, Muslim Women Speakers, USA

21. Swantje Pabst, Human Rights Lawyer, Germany

22. Rachel Whitehouse, teacher, UK

23. Wejdan Al-Nahdi, Activist in Britain, UK

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[1] Human Rights Watch report, ‘Khartoum is not Safe for Women! Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Sudan’s Capital’ July 2024  https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/07/28/khartoum-not-safe-women/sexual-violence-against-women-and-girls-sudans-capital

[2] Human Rights Watch report, ‘Khartoum is not Safe for Women! Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Sudan’s Capital’ July 2024  https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/07/28/khartoum-not-safe-women/sexual-violence-against-women-and-girls-sudans-capital

[3] Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Press Statement: ‘Gezira State and the Forgotten Atrocities: A Report on Conflict-related Sexual Violence’ 22 July 2024 https://sihanet.org/press-statement-gezira-state-and-the-forgotten-atrocities-a-report-on-conflict-related-sexual-violence/

[4]The Guardian, ‘Darfur rape survivors gather together after ethnically targeted campaign’ 14 March 2024  https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/14/darfur-survivors-gather-together-after-ethnically-targeted-campaign

[5] African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), ‘South Darfur: Two girls abducted and subjected to sexual slavery in Nyala’ 19 August 2024 https://www.acjps.org/publications/south-darfur-two-girls-abducted-and-subjected-to-sexual-slavery-in-nyala

[6] ‎Ana Sudani - أنا سوداني‎ | ‎🇸🇩 قصة مها تكشف الوجه الحقيقي لوحشية مليشيا الدعم السريع. اختطفها هؤلاء السفلة بعد أن فقدت زوجها وأغتصبوها وعذبوها لمدة ستة أشهر ثم...‎ | Instagram

[7] The Guardian ‘Women in war-torn Sudanese city forced to have sex in exchange for food.’ 22 July 2024  https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/22/women-forced-to-have-sex-with-soldiers-for-food-in-sudanese-city#:~:text=More%20than%20two%20dozen%20women,money%20to%20feed%20their%20families.

[8] Relief Web ‘Sudan: Omdurman hospital bombed, deadly violence in North Darfur and El Gezira’, 12 August 2024 https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-omdurman-hospital-bombed-deadly-violence-north-darfur-and-el-gezira

[9] Human Rights Watch report, ‘Khartoum is not Safe for Women!” Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Sudan’s Capital’ July 2024  https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/07/28/khartoum-not-safe-women/sexual-violence-against-women-and-girls-sudans-capital

[10] CSW ‘TIGRAY: Women from Africa and diaspora call for action to end campaign of sexual violence’ 18 June 2021 https://www.csw.org.uk/2021/06/18/press/5303/article.htm

 [V1]We have had feedback from a number of Sudanese women about the peacekeeping mission. They fundamentally do not believe that UN peacekeepers are safer for women. There was some push back in terms of the situation has reached the point where there is no option for the protection of civilians. But it was felt that having these two words in would prevent several individuals from signing on. We have attempted to find compromise with removing the explicit reference to a peacekeeping mission, but when pressed as to what effective measures would be, of course one of them will be the consideration of a peacekeeping mission.