Renew Europe strongly condemned the mass sexual violence used as a weapon of war in Sudan's nearly two-year conflict, with women and children particularly at risk.
In an urgency resolution tabled by the Group, MEPs called on the EU and Member States to support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, to increase humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries and ensure funding for survivors of sexual violence.
According to findings shared by UNICEF, in Sudan an estimated 12.1 million people are at risk of gender-based violence and there were 221 cases of rape involving children since last year, 16 victims being under five years old.
All parties involved in this conflict must ensure safe, timely and unhindered access to humanitarian actors, including the World Food Programme, as two thirds of Sudan’s population is at risk.
“For far too long, Europe has looked away from what is happening in Sudan. Today, we make a clear statement, Europe must act and work towards a ceasefire. We urge Europe to impose sanctions on the war criminals, and to ensure that the UN arms embargo is effectively enforced and extended to the entire country. We have to protect all women and children from sexual violence. It must end here,” said Hilde Vautmans MEP, who led the negotiations on the resolution.
Click here to read the resolution.