Rights group says sexual violence is rampant in Sudan’s conflict, calls for international protection

Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Human Rights Watch is accusing the paramilitary group fighting against the military in Sudan’s civil war of rampant sexual violence against women, including gang rape and forced marriages of girls. The international rights group also accuses the military of sexual violence. The group is calling for the United Nations and the African Union to establish a joint mission to protect civilians in Sudan as more than 15 months of fighting between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has shown no signs of abating. The group also accused both warring parties of blocking survivors’ access to critical emergency care.