Kuwait’s Prime Minister emphasizes diplomatic neutrality at the Munich Security Conference. Amidst this, UNICEF reveals concerning reports of sexual violence against children, especially under five years old, during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Survivors share harrowing experiences, while calls for accountability and recognition of international laws grow more urgent in light of widespread atrocities committed by armed groups.
Kuwait’s Prime Minister has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to diplomatic neutrality while leading a delegation to the Munich Security Conference. During this event, discussions regarding Kuwait’s foreign policy and its role in fostering peace and cooperation were likely emphasized, reflecting the country’s strategic approach to international relations.
In a separate urgent matter, UNICEF reported alarming incidents of sexual violence affecting children, specifically noting cases arising from the conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces. According to a database compiled by local groups assisting survivors, among the 221 registered cases, 16 involved children under the age of five, including four infants. The report indicates that many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and insufficient medical access.
The troubling testimonies of survivors reveal severe abuses, with women and children subjected to horrific violence and long-lasting trauma. One survivor described the conditions of captivity, stating that girls were taken at night only to return in states of utter distress.
UNICEF refrained from assigning responsibility for these acts, but called for both factions involved in the conflict to observe international humanitarian laws. While neither the RSF nor the army offered immediate responses, there are increasing calls for accountability regarding these serious allegations.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that the scale of violence, particularly against very young children, requires urgent intervention, urging the international community to respond decisively. The ongoing conflict, ignited in April 2023 amid a struggle for power, has led to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
A UN fact-finding mission indicated that the extent of sexual abuse is extraordinarily high, with the RSF and allied groups being the primary abusers. Reports have also surfaced regarding gang rapes during purposely aimed assaults against certain ethnic groups, further reflecting the atrocities occurring amid this conflict. UN human rights chief Volker Turk elaborated that over half of the reported rape cases involved gang rape, highlighting that such acts are being utilized as tools of war. While the RSF has indicated intentions to conduct investigations, the call for justice remains pressing and critical.
The recent reports from UNICEF and UN agencies illustrate a grave humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly regarding the sexual violence perpetrated against children amidst the ongoing conflict. With alarming statistics and testimony from survivors, there is a dire need for the international community to take immediate action against such egregious violations. Furthermore, the reaffirmation of Kuwait’s diplomatic stance highlights the importance of maintaining neutrality while promoting international peace and security amid global turmoil.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
