GENEVA, Nov 27 (KUNA) -- United Nations human rights experts expressed Thursday deep concern over reports of human trafficking in and around Sudan's Al Fasher following the takeover of the area by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), calling for urgent action to address crimes that amount to serious violations of international law.
In a statement issued from Geneva, the experts reported that women and girls were being trafficked for sexual exploitation and sexual slavery while children were being recruited and used in hostilities (Al Fasher).
They said more than 470,000 people have been displaced multiple times from Al Fasher and from the Shagra, Zamzam and Abu Shouk, adding that the number of displaced children has exceeded six million 27 percent of whom are under the age of five. The experts also said sexual violence is widespread in many parts of Sudan, warning of rising risks facing women and unaccompanied children in particular.
They confirmed there is evidence of ethnic targeting of women and children from non-Arab communities in North Darfur, including the Zaghawa and Fur, and documented cases of arbitrary detention and forced marriage for the purpose of sexual exploitation, it noted.
The experts stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect human rights and protect civilians, urging countries to take urgent and coordinated action to implement the resolutions of the UN Human Rights Council adopted during its special session on Al Fasher held earlier this month. The statement was issued by UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons Siobhan Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on the sale sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children Mama Fatima Singhateh and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Paula Gaviria. (end) imk.hm