UN experts voice alarm over rising trafficking in persons, child recruitment in Sudan

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - UN experts on Friday expressed alarm about increasing reports of trafficking in persons, particularly women and girls, for purposes of sexual exploitation, as well as child recruitment in hostilities in Sudan.

As the humanitarian crisis already caused the mass displacement of over 9 million people, the experts said in a statement that access to support for victims and survivors has reportedly deteriorated since December, eight months after the conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces began in April.

"We are appalled by reports of women and girls being sold at slave markets in areas controlled by RSF forces and other armed groups, including in North Darfur," they said.

They also expressed concern about the increase in early and forced child marriage, reportedly resulting from the separation of families, as well as gender-based violence, including rape and unwanted pregnancies.

About the recruitment of children by armed groups for any form of exploitation, including in combat roles, they said: "Despite previous warnings to both Sudanese authorities and RSF representatives, we continue to receive reports of recruitment of children to actively participate in hostilities, including from a neighbouring country."

The experts described such recruitments as "a gross violation of human rights, a serious crime and a violation of international humanitarian law."

"We call for accountability and effective investigation of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as required by international law," they said.

Sudan has been mired in fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF.

At least 13,900 people have been killed and more than 8 million displaced in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures.

Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and US mediators have failed to end the violence.