The Renew Europe Group condemns the use of sexual violence in Sudan’s conflict, urging for measures against responsible parties. UNICEF reports millions at risk of gender-based violence, prompting calls for EU support in humanitarian aid and investigations into war crimes. MEP Hilde Vautmans stresses the need for Europe to take immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.
The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament vehemently denounces the rampant sexual violence employed as a weapon of war in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which endangers women and children mainly. They are calling on the Council to implement targeted measures and sanctions against those responsible for severe human rights abuses.
UNICEF reports that approximately 12.1 million individuals face the threat of gender-based violence, with 221 cases of child rape documented since last year, including 16 victims under the age of five. The urgency of these findings has prompted the Renew Europe political group to submit a resolution addressing Sudan’s deteriorating political, humanitarian, and human rights conditions.
In their resolution, the group urges the EU and its Member States to back the International Criminal Court’s investigations into genocide and war crimes in Darfur. They also emphasize the necessity of increasing humanitarian aid for Sudan and its neighbors while ensuring financial support for survivors of sexual violence.
Moreover, all parties involved in the conflict are urged to guarantee safe access for humanitarian organizations, such as the World Food Programme, as two-thirds of Sudan’s population are at risk.
Hilde Vautmans, MEP for Open Vld in Belgium and coordinator for the Renew Europe Group on Foreign Affairs, expressed her profound concern during the resolution negotiations, stating that sexual violence destroys the foundations of society and devastates entire generations. She criticized Europe for its insufficient response to the crisis and called for immediate action towards a ceasefire and sanctions against war criminals. Vautmans insisted that protection against sexual violence for women and children must be prioritized.
The article advocates for urgent international action to address the atrocities in Sudan, particularly focused on safeguarding vulnerable populations, namely women and children.
In conclusion, the Renew Europe Group highlights the urgent need for action against the atrocities faced by women and children in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict. By calling for targeted sanctions, humanitarian aid, and support for investigations into crimes against humanity, they seek to protect the most vulnerable and urge Europe to take decisive action in response to the humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.reneweuropegroup.eu
