PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Sudan – joint statement from members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.
Members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI), issued a joint statement on the situation in Sudan.
This is a joint statement by members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI). The following Alliance members support this statement: Australia, Colombia, France, Kosovo, Liberia, Luxembourg, Republic of Korea, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Nadia Murad, Dr Mukwege, Mukwege Foundation and Global Survivors Fund. Lord Ahmad announced the statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence on 14 July.
As members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, we are deeply concerned by the increasing reports of sexual violence, including rape, in the context of the conflict that erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 15 April 2023.
All too often, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict. Together, we urge all parties to the conflict to end the violence, including sexual violence.
The provision of prompt and quality services for survivors of sexual violence must be prioritised. We stress the urgency for parties to the conflict to ensure unimpeded, safe humanitarian access to all in need. This requires enabling the free movement of humanitarian workers and humanitarian supplies that will cater for people’s basic needs, including the provision of medical assistance and psychosocial support for survivors of sexual violence.
Sexual violence must stop and survivors must be supported. As members of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, we will continue working to end conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan and across the globe.
The Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said:
As an Alliance, we raise our voice, shining a light on appalling reports of sexual violence in Sudan and calling for an end to violence, support to survivors and safe humanitarian access.
