Statement by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Madame Khardiata Lo Ndiaye on the kick-off of16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-based Violence

On behalf of the United Nations in Sudan, I commend the recent achievements made by Sudan in addressing GBV. These include the National Action Plan to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the national action plan for the protection of civilians, the criminalization of female genital mutilation (FGM), the first-ever national standard operating procedures for the prevention and response to GBV, and a Framework for Cooperation on conflict-related sexual violence with the United Nations, as well as establishment of GBV helplines.  

However, different forms of violence against women and girls remain prevalent. Domestic violence is still widespread. Women and girls living in conflict-affected areas and natural disaster-prone areas continue to be vulnerable to physical attacks and sexual violence when fleeing from their homes, in camp settings, or when fetching water or firewood. Economic violence such as denial of control over financial resources, and forbidding attendance at school or employment, is one of the many forms of GBV that was heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevalence and acceptance of FGM, albeit declining, remains high. The current deteriorating economic situation as well as political instability, contribute to threaten advances made with regards ending GBV including child marriage. Reports of harassment, physical assault and detention of women who participate in civic life, including in the recent demonstrations suggests an increasingly insecure environment for women’s rights defenders.

The impact of GBV is devastating for survivors and their communities. Physical consequences may include injuries, unwanted pregnancies, fistula, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and in some cases even death. In addition, survivors often face systematic social rejection. Harmful gender norms as well as victim blaming fuel acts of violence towards women and girls, and as a result, many GBV cases go unreported. Specialized GBV services for survivors remain absent in eight out of ten localities in Sudan.

I recall the words of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: "Now is the time to redouble our efforts so that together, we can eliminate violence against women and girls by 2030."

Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we urge the government to continue to promote and protect the rights of women and girls across Sudan by ensuring women’s participation in leadership and decision-making in all spheres and sectors; developing evidence-based and gender-responsive laws, policies, and strategies that promote substantive equality, address impunity in conflict and non-conflict settings and ensure access to justice for survivors. Specifically, we draw attention to the provision of the Juba Peace Agreement emphasizing that there shall be no amnesty for acts of sexual violence committed during conflict and call upon the government to ensure implementation of this provision. We further urge to ensure sufficient resource allocation for lifesaving GBV services for survivors, including health psychosocial support services, and for interventions addressing GBV prevention, including investment in comprehensive, culturally sensitive, social and gender norm change programs.

We stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Sudan to continue advocating for women’s rights and gender equality and to eradicate all forms of GBV in Sudan          .

The achievement of women’s rights is integral to enduring peace, economic progress, and sustainable development. We all have very important roles to play, both personally and professionally, to prevent and respond to GBV in all its forms.

Today, I call on the United Nations family in Sudan and the public to reflect on the importance of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and participate. "Orange" symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence. For the next 16 days, “Orange your World” in every way you can:

• Wear something orange or with an orange highlight each day.
• Follow the online conversation using the hashtags #OrangeTheWorld #16DaysofActivism #SayNotoViolence #EndViolenceAgainstWomen and share with others.
• Promote the hashtags on your social media platforms.
• Follow the @SayNO UNiTE campaign on Twitter.
• Add your creative ideas to amplify the messages and stimulate conversation on this important matter.

Beyond the 16 Days, we can continue to prevent GBV by modelling positive, unbiased, and empowering behaviours in our social interactions. Let us all be agents of change to make Sudan a safer and better place for all women, men, girls, and boys, in all their diversities. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you