Severe violations of children's rights in Darfur - SC UK

Sudanese government forces, militias, police and other security forces have committed serious violations of children's rights in Sudan's troubled western region of Darfur, according to a report by Save the Children UK, which noted that abuses included murder, rape and abduction. "There is evidence of widespread use of rape by militias as a weapon of war, with rape survivors ranging between 10-40 years old. Forced circumcision of women by their attackers has also been reported," Save the Children UK (SC UK) said in its latest report on the child protection crisis in Darfur issued on 3 September. According to the report, other violations included killing of children's family members or relatives, recruitment of children into armed groups, burning of houses, crops and poisoning of wells, looting of property and animals, humiliation of relatives or families, and harassment and intimidation. Hundreds of children have been separated from their families in the conflict, SC UK said, adding that without the care and protection of their immediate family or of the community, the affected children were extremely vulnerable. "There is emerging evidence that children are being abducted to fight with armed groups and forces, or 'volunteering' in order to defend themselves or their families," SC UK said. It added that large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) had been cut off from humanitarian assistance, with many reporting having to pay 'protection' fees in the form of money, grain, or sex, in order to collect firewood or water. The humanitarian agency said that African Union monitors in Darfur faced numerous access constraints, leaving many IDPs "besieged" by the threat of violence from militias, with civilians being arbitrarily arrested and having their papers confiscated. "Recent reports detail pressure from the Government of Sudan being put on IDPs to return to their homes, despite ongoing insecurity, food insecurity, and lack of basic services," SC UK said. "Whilst children are presenting with fever, diarrhoea, and chest or eye infections, it is estimated that only 50 percent of basic healthcare needs are covered. Global acute malnutrition rates for under-fives may be as high as 33 percent, with a five percent [rate] for severe malnutrition in some areas," it added. The report said that many displaced children had been deprived of education, a vital tool in their protection and development, for reasons of insecurity, lack of transportation, inadequate space in schools and obstruction from the authorities. The full report is available on www.reliefweb.int