Alabre says the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence is not a new development, but reports have intensified since the conflict began. “We continue to receive accounts from across the country of women and girls being raped, abducted, enslaved, or forced into marriage during attacks on villages,” she told UN News.

“This violence is meant to terrorise, punish and humiliate civilians, especially women and girls. And many of the survivors have been displaced multiple times.”

Alabre highlighted the long-lasting impact of such violence, which includes severe trauma, physical injuries, and deep-rooted social stigma that isolates survivors from their families and communities. “Too many are raising children born of rape alone, living with stigma, and unable to find work. They say: ‘I survived the violence, but I don’t know how to survive life after it.’”

Despite growing evidence and repeated alarm by humanitarian actors, accountability remains elusive. “Perpetrators act with impunity because the justice system in Sudan is shattered,” she explained. “That’s why we are pushing for a survivor-centred justice approach, one that includes legal assistance, community-based mechanisms, and stronger links between health, protection, and legal actors.”

Sudan has recently signed a second co-operation framework with the United Nations focused on conflict-related sexual violence. Alabre hopes this will translate into more coordinated efforts to support survivors and prevent future violations.

However, she warns that funding cuts are hampering the response. Economic recovery and empowerment, essential for breaking the cycle of re-victimisation, are often left out due to limited resources.

“When we had to prioritise, economic support had to be dropped in favour of urgent medical and psychosocial care. But that doesn’t mean economic recovery isn’t lifesaving,” she said. “Without it, survivors face renewed risk of exploitation.”

UNFPA is now linking survivors to vocational training and cash voucher programmes. But Alabre says the scale of the need far outstrips available support. Prevention efforts are also being sidelined, with community engagement and behavioural change programmes increasingly underfunded.

“This is not just about crisis response,” she stressed. “It’s about ensuring survivors are safe, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives and that requires sustained investment in justice, dignity, and prevention.”

--ChannelAfrica--