United Nations —
The United Nations recorded 3,688 verified cases of rape, gang rape and abductions in conflict zones in 2023 -- an increase of 50% over 2022. About 70% to 90% of such incidents involved small arms and light weapons. Nearly all the victims were women and girls. Many survivors of sexual violence do not come forward, so the U.N. says this is just a fraction of the real numbers.
"We cannot condemn the perpetrators of sexual violence in our speeches while continuing to fund and arm them through our supply chains," she said of the ease of access to weapons. Niemat Ahmadi, founder and president of the Darfur Women Action Group, told the council that the year-old war between rival generals in Sudan has unleashed devastating suffering on women.
"We hear that there are less than a dozen obstetricians and gynecologists left working in Khartoum," Ahmadi said."Further, the fear of retaliation for speaking up has made it impossible for many survivors to come forward."