from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – WOMEN and girls are disproportionately affected and bear the highest protection risks amid hostilities in Sudan’s Blue Nile State.
They are exposed to heightened violence and abuse during displacement and in relocation sites.
Repercussions include unsafe conditions for childbirth, increased risks of early and forced marriage, as well as restricted access to essential health services, including reproductive healthcare and life-saving medical support.
Children are also severely impacted, facing heightened risks of trauma, malnutrition and disruption of education as a result of displacement and instability.
The Sudan Women Advisory Group (SWAG) has raised these concerns as there is no end in sight to the civil war.
It noted children were also severely impacted, facing heightened risks of trauma, malnutrition and disruption of education as a result of displacement and instability.
Massive shortages of shelter, food, water, sanitation, clothing and hygiene supplies continue to worsen.
These are compounded by the loss of agriculture and income sources due to displacement.
SWAG stated there was also a growing need for mental health and psychosocial support services, given the significant levels of trauma experienced by women, children and families affected by the crisis.
SWAG noted women leaders in Blue Nile reported that women-led organisations remained the backbone of the response, continuing to provide essential support to women and girls.
“However, their work cannot be sustained without direct, flexible and predictable funding, improved access, and meaningful inclusion in humanitarian coordination mechanisms,” SWAG stated.
SWAG also emphasised the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and ensuring the protection of civilians at all times.
“The women of Blue Nile deserve dignified access to humanitarian assistance and a life free from violence and abuse.”
– CAJ News