The Renew Europe Group condemns sexual violence in Sudan, urging targeted sanctions against perpetrators. Reports indicate 12.1 million people are at risk, with alarming cases of child rape. A resolution calls for support for investigations into crimes and increased humanitarian aid. MEP Vautmans stresses the need for Europe to act and protect affected populations.
The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament condemns the use of mass sexual violence as a weapon during almost two years of conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted measures and sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations, particularly against women and children.
UNICEF reports that around 12.1 million individuals are at risk of gender-based violence, with significant incidents including 221 reported cases of child rape, 16 of which involved victims under the age of five. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent humanitarian crisis affecting Sudanese children and women.
The urgency resolution adopted by the Renew Europe Group calls for support of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into serious crimes in Darfur, increased humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighboring countries, and dedicated funding for survivors of sexual violence. Access for humanitarian organizations must be secure to address the needs of two-thirds of Sudan’s population at risk.
MEP Hilde Vautmans, the Renew Europe Group’s coordinator on Foreign Affairs, emphasized the destructive impact of sexual violence on societal foundations, asserting that Europe has failed to adequately respond to the crisis in Sudan. She urged European leaders to impose sanctions on war criminals and to enforce a comprehensive UN arms embargo in order to protect women and children from further violence.
Vautmans concludes that urgent action is necessary to work toward a ceasefire and to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations amidst the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The Renew Europe Group’s condemnation of atrocities in Sudan underscores the urgent need for international intervention regarding human rights violations against women and children. The call for enhanced support for humanitarian efforts and the enforcement of targeted sanctions reflects a pivotal moment in the global response to the ongoing conflict. It is imperative that Europe take immediate responsibility and action to protect the vulnerable populations at risk in Sudan.
Original Source: www.reneweuropegroup.eu
