Two UN officials are calling for more international engagement to combat sexual violence against women and girls in the Sudan conflict, a UN spokesman says.

Assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Joyce Msuya joined Pramila Patten, the special representative of the secretary-general Antonio Guterres on sexual violence in conflict, to deliver the plea, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Mr Guterres.

“Their appeal comes as allegations of rape, forced marriage, sexual slavery, and the trafficking of women and girls continue to be recorded, especially in Khartoum, as well as Darfur and Kordofan,” Mr Dujarric said. “The duo are urging members to send an unequivocal message, which is under international humanitarian law, civilians in Sudan.”

He added, “As a matter of fact anywhere around the world must be protected and must never be subjected to acts of sexual violence, which could constitute war crimes. Reports of sexual violence reveal the war’s disproportionate impact on women and girls.

“Millions of civilians are especially at risk as they flee conflict areas in search of shelter inside Sudan and in neighbouring countries.”

However, he said the true scale of the crisis in Sudan is unseen.

(Xinhua/NAN)