UN experts urge action to combat human trafficking in Sudan's Al Fasher

The UN human rights experts have expressed deep alarm over rising reports of trafficking of women and girls for gender abuse and trafficking of children for recruitment and use as fighters as violence intensifies in and around Sudan's Al Fasher.

Since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began their siege of Al Fasher and nearby areas in May 2024, more than 470,000 people have been displaced multiple times, including residents of the Shagra, Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps. Across Sudan, over six million children, 27% of them under five, are internally displaced or seeking safety in neighbouring countries.

According to the experts, sexual violence has been reported throughout conflict-affected regions, including Al Fasher, Bahri, Gezira, Khartoum, Kordofan, Kornoi, Nyala, Omdurman and Zamzam.

"We are deeply concerned at the alarming reports of human trafficking since the takeover of Al Fasher and surrounding areas by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)," the experts said in a statement. "Women and girls have been abducted in RSF-controlled areas, and women, unaccompanied and separated children are at elevated risk of sexual violence and sexual exploitation."

UN experts urge an end to violations

They warned that families are being left without shelter, health care or basic safety, as aid blockages and the collapse of services push communities "to the brink." They urged an immediate end to the violations and called for protection and assistance for displaced populations.

"All parties to the conflict must respect human rights and prevent further atrocities against civilians."

The experts welcomed the Human Rights Council's decision to convene a special session on November 14 and urged member states to take urgent, coordinated action to implement the council's resolutions on Sudan.