Europe News Desk!!! UN Women has expressed concern over the serious impact of the ongoing violent conflict in Sudan on women and girls and called for urgent action against sexual violence. “UN Women joins our partners in expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan,” Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, said in a statement late Friday. As with all crises, it will certainly have a dire and disproportionate impact on the lives of Sudanese women and girls. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and are committed to supporting them,” he said. Bahaus said reports of sexual and gender-based violence are already emerging, Xinhua news agency reported. The strength of Sudanese women as humanitarian workers, caregivers and protectors is an inspiration, she said. We must heed his call for a ceasefire and peace and commit to supporting him in everything he does.
Bahous with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, to allow the continued delivery of essential humanitarian aid and a return to dialogue Can be given The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF), which first began on 15 April, has so far claimed the lives of over 400 people and nearly 3,500 others. A day before UN Women’s appeal, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that thousands of pregnant women are at risk from the conflict, making it too dangerous to leave their homes for immediate medical care. UNFPA estimates that there are 219,000 pregnant women in the capital, Khartoum, of whom 24,000 are due to deliver early.
The conflict has not spared Sudan’s healthcare system either. The violence in Khartoum has forced the closure of at least 20 hospitals. More hospitals are at risk of closure as they grapple with power and water cuts and staff shortages. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff are unable to travel to work and critical humanitarian aid is unable to reach due to roadblocks and ongoing fighting, further reducing medical facilities. UNFPA has warned that if the violence does not stop, the health system is in danger of being overwhelmed and pregnant women and their unborn children will die. The agency said it is also concerned about the 3.1 million women and girls who face increased risks of life-threatening gender-based violence.
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