Port Sudan: Al-Faki Al-Daw, Supervisor of the National Commission’s Investigation and Investigation Committee for Crimes and Violations of National Law and International Humanitarian Law, has called on all affected citizens, particularly women, who have experienced violations by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, to report these incidents to the committee. He emphasized the confidentiality of the legal proceedings and the assurances provided by the committee to ensure justice for women who have suffered violations at the hands of the militia.
According to Sudan News Agency, this appeal was made during a briefing conference organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information at the Red Sea State Police Hall. The conference featured the Women for Peace and Justice Forum, which focused on discussing the violations against women and addressing their needs following the war.
Al-Faki Al-Daw highlighted the challenges in pursuing legal action against perpetrators of crimes against women, noting the societal reluctance in Sudan to report crimes, particularly sexual offenses, due to fears of social stigma. Despite these challenges, the committee has worked diligently to engage victims on the ground. A team of female prosecutors is stationed at Port Sudan’s displacement centers to receive complaints and initiate legal actions, supported by female police officers specializing in violence against women, children, and families. He underscored that their efforts are a key component of the National Committee’s strategy to pursue legal measures against those who target women.
He further indicated that women are the most affected group by these violations, with crimes perpetrated by the rebel militia encompassing systematic sexual violence, sexual slavery, and forced displacement, all of which are in violation of international humanitarian law and Sudanese laws.
Al-Faki Al-Daw also detailed the mandate and responsibilities of the National Committee to Investigate Violations of National Law and International Humanitarian Law. This includes the authority to identify all violations and crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces militia during the conflict that started on April 15, 2023. The committee is empowered to summon individuals for investigation and prosecute them if found complicit in the militia’s violations.
Additionally, the committee is authorized to undertake all necessary actions, both within Sudan and internationally, against the practices of the rebel Rapid Support Forces militia and to accept complaints from citizens and others affected by the militia’s actions since the war’s inception.