The European Parliament adopted by 575 votes to 7, with 35 abstentions, a resolution on the severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued since April 2023, with both parties fighting for control of Sudan and its resources. 13 million people have been forcibly displaced. Nearly two thirds of Sudan’s population, including 16 million children, is in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Moreover, approximately 12.1 million people are at risk of gender-based violence, including rape and forced marriage whereas since the beginning of 2024, 221 cases of child rape have been reported.
Parliament called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, seek a negotiated solution and ensure safe, timely and unhindered access to humanitarian actors, including the World Food Programme.
Members strongly condemned the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and widespread sexual violence against women and children committed by both the SAF and RSF. They urged all parties to stop these horrendous acts and war crimes, including child rape. Warring factions should also cease recruiting and using child soldiers.
Parliament called on the Council, the Commission and the EU to:
- adopt targeted measures and sanctions on entities and commanders responsible for serious human rights violations;
- take ction against all actors violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur, and to support its expansion to cover all of Sudan;
- support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, and to support the work of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan;
- increase humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries, fund supports for survivors of sexual violence, and continue funding local resilience and protection programmes, ensuring women’s and children’s rights and gender equality.