End FGM European Network’s reaction to the European Parliament’s urgent resolution on the escalation of the war and humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan

We welcome the European Parliament’s adoption of an urgent resolution during the November Plenary, addressing the deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. As the conflict intensifies and new evidence shows the widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war, this resolution represents a crucial step in recognising the gravity of the violations taking place and the urgent need to act.

We are pleased to the see the Parliament calling for an immediate end to hostilities and urging the different forces fighting in Sudan to engage in genuine peace negotiations and uphold humanitarian and human rights law standards. The explicit attention to the use of sexual and gender-based violence is particularly important, as it highlights the need to protect and support services as many have collapsed due to the war, mass displacement and funding cuts.

The resolution also recognises the vital role of civil society actors in Sudan. Community-based organisations, women’s rights organisations and youth movements have been at the forefront of delivering life-saving support despite facing many challenges. The resolution is giving credit to the civil society while also rightfully calling for involving them in peace talks and to keep supporting and protecting them.

However, we express deep concerns over the absence of any mention of female genital mutilation (FGM). In the current context of mass and forced displacement, school closures and non-functional protection systems, FGM survivors (in Sudan this represents 86.6% of women) face increasing barriers in accessing support services, by omitting this, we see a critical gap in the Parliament’s response.

We call on the European Union to ensure FGM prevention and protection are integrated into all humanitarian response in Sudan and to not leave behind women and girls affected by FGM in particular in high prevalence countries as it is the case in Sudan.

To learn more about the impact of the war in Sudan and our recommendations, see our letter addressed to the European Union

Photographer: Christian CREUTZ
Copyright: © European Union 2024 - Source : EP