Women and children are at the heart of Sudan’s suffering

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia, leading to a profound humanitarian crisis. The violence has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced more than 8 million people internally. The situation is particularly dire for women and children, who constitute the most vulnerable segments of the population.

In conflict zones, women and children often bear the brunt of the violence and instability. In Sudan, this vulnerability is being exacerbated by existing gender inequalities and socioeconomic challenges. The ongoing conflict has stripped women and girls of essential resources needed for survival, including food, medical support, protection and shelter.

The atrocities committed against women and children in Sudan are manifold, reflecting the immense human cost of the ongoing conflict. Gender-based violence has surged alarmingly, with reports indicating a twofold increase since the onset of the crisis. Women and girls are being subjected to horrifying levels of sexual exploitation. The lack of accountability and protection has further emboldened perpetrators, leaving countless women and girls vulnerable to abuse.

Sudan is also witnessing the world’s largest child displacement crisis. More than 4.6 million children have been forced to flee their homes since April 2023, a staggering number that underscores the scale of the humanitarian disaster. These displaced children are enduring unimaginable hardships, including malnutrition, disease and the constant threat of exploitation. The absence of stable living conditions and adequate care exacerbates their suffering, creating a generation scarred by trauma.

The war has led to the collapse of community and family networks that traditionally provided protection and support

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The conflict has also disrupted education, with devastating consequences for the future of Sudan’s youth. More than 2.5 million girls are currently unable to return to school, a setback that hampers not only their personal growth but also the broader development of the nation. The loss of education deprives these girls of opportunities for empowerment and economic independence, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. This educational crisis poses long-term challenges for Sudan, as an entire generation grows up without the skills and knowledge needed to rebuild their communities and contribute to the country’s recovery

Several factors contribute to the heightened vulnerability of women and children in Sudan. Socioeconomic disparities have long plagued the country, with women and children facing significant challenges even before the war. Limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities meant that many were already struggling to meet their basic needs. The conflict has only deepened these disparities, leaving women and children with minimal means of support and making them more susceptible to exploitation and harm.

Targeted violence is another alarming factor. Women and children have been deliberately targeted in attacks, with reports highlighting instances of systematic violence against them. This violence often intersects with ethnic and regional tensions, further amplifying the risks they face.

The breakdown of social structures has also left women and children particularly vulnerable. The war has led to the collapse of community and family networks that traditionally provided protection and support. With these safety nets destroyed, women and children are more exposed to violence, exploitation and other forms of abuse as they navigate an increasingly hostile and chaotic environment

The international community has a moral and ethical obligation to intervene in Sudan's crisis. The widespread atrocities, especially those targeting vulnerable populations, demand a coordinated global response. Without action, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, leading to more loss of life and prolonged suffering.

International aid organizations and donors also play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering in Sudan. However, the current humanitarian response is critically underfunded. Increased financial support is essential to provide food, medical care, shelter and protective services to those in need. Moreover, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations, including women and children, should be a priority.

To effectively address the crisis, the international community must take decisive action across several pathways

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

To effectively address the crisis in Sudan, the international community must take decisive action across several pathways. Facilitating peace negotiations is a critical step. Encouraging dialogue can also help lay the groundwork for a sustainable resolution. The Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed in May 2023, offers a viable framework for these efforts. This declaration prioritizes the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, underscoring the importance of international support in implementing its provisions.

Collaboration with the African Union is equally vital. This bloc has been instrumental in seeking solutions to the Sudanese conflict and offers a culturally informed perspective on peace-building. By working closely with the African Union, the international community can ensure a unified approach to addressing the crisis. The union’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan provides a strategic guide for these collaborative efforts, emphasizing the importance of regional expertise in fostering long-term peace.

Enhancing humanitarian access is another urgent priority. Humanitarian agencies must have safe and unhindered access to affected populations to deliver aid effectively. This requires negotiating ceasefires or establishing humanitarian corridors to ensure the timely and secure delivery of essential supplies and services to those in need.

If the conflict in Sudan persists, the consequences will be devastating. Generational trauma is a significant concern, as children growing up amid violence face long-term psychological scars. This trauma not only hinders their development but also risks perpetuating cycles of violence, creating a legacy of suffering for future generations.

In a nutshell, the plight of women and children in Sudan’s ongoing conflict is a humanitarian tragedy that demands immediate international attention. Protecting these vulnerable groups should be a global priority. Through increased aid, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and collaboration with regional bodies like the African Union, the international community can help alleviate suffering and pave the way for a peaceful future for Sudan.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh