The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) on Tuesday called for an immediate investigation into reports of serious sexual violence and the use of live ammunition against protesters during weekend protests in Sudan, reported UN News.
Tens of thousands of Sudanese came out on the streets in Khartoum on Sunday to mark the third anniversary of protests that led to the overthrow of long-time President Omar Al-Bashir, in April 2019. They were also protesting against October’s military coup and the political agreement signed later on Nov. 21 that re-instated Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok to power.
The protestors made their way to the presidential palace, where they attempted a sit-in before being dispersed by the security forces.
The OHCHR spokeswoman Liz Throssell said the office received 13 allegations of rape and gang rape and reports of sexual harassment against women by security forces as they attempted to flee. She gave no other information about the alleged rapes or gang rapes.
Throssell said the OHCHR urged for a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into the rape and sexual harassment allegations as well as the allegations of death and injury of protesters due to the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force and live ammunition by security forces.
She said two people were killed after being shot, while 300 others were injured. Some of the protesters were hit by live ammunition or were beaten by security forces, while others suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling tear gas.
Throssell said it is very important that the government must guarantee and protect the right to peaceful assembly and act in compliance with international laws and standards as well as regulate the use of force as further protests have been planned for the coming weekend and the weeks ahead.
According to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, the total death toll from anti-military protests since October has reached 47.
