Sudan: Women Rights Defenders Abused by Security Forces

Sudanese security forces have used sexual violence, intimidation, and other forms of abuse, to silence female human rights defenders across the country. Women who are involved in protests, rights campaigns, and other public action and who provide social services and legal aid, as well as journalists are targeted with a range of abuses, from rape and rape threats, to deliberate efforts to tar their reputations. Their male counterparts may be less likely to experience some of these abuses. The government should investigate all alleged abuses, hold those responsible to account, and undertake legislative reforms to protect women’s rights.