3 days ago
Fleeing Sudan's war, many women sought safety in Chad, only to face exploitation in refugee camps. Forced into survival sex by aid workers and security forces, their trauma continues. With limited aid and broken systems, their fight for dignity remains unending.
UPDATED: Nov 18, 2024 12:54 IST
As Sudan’s civil war rages on, claiming over 20,000 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands, many women who fled to Chad hoping for safety have found themselves trapped in a new nightmare. Their stories reveal a heartbreaking reality—sexual exploitation for survival.
One refugee, a 27-year-old mother, shared the devastating choices she had to make. After escaping Sudan’s horrors, including the loss of her husband and witnessing violence, she was forced into a dire situation in Chad. With insufficient food provided at the refugee camps, she resorted to survival sex with an aid worker, resulting in the birth of her child.
Her experience is not an isolated case. Sudanese women and girls in Chad’s camps have reported being coerced by men, including humanitarian workers and local security forces, in exchange for basic needs such as food or jobs. While some women have bravely come forward, many remain silent, fearing stigma or retaliation.
One 19-year-old refugee described her harrowing journey. She witnessed her family being killed in Sudan before fleeing to Chad with her mother. Once at the refugee camp, the lack of resources pushed her into sex work to provide for her family, leaving her with deep regret.
Humanitarian agencies, including the UNHCR, have established safe spaces, feedback boxes, and hotlines to address these issues. However, many refugees are unaware of these services, and fear of drawing attention often prevents them from seeking help. Sabine Nana, a gender-based violence officer at UNHCR, admitted that inadequate aid could lead to survival sex, underscoring the dire circumstances in these camps.
The stories of these women shed light on the devastating impact of war, displacement, and exploitation. Their plight raises urgent questions for the global community: How can we protect those who have already lost everything?
For Sudanese women refugees, the struggle to survive continues, and their calls for justice demand immediate action.
Helpline Numbers:
Khartoum: 0900934474
East Darfur: 0900278666 / 0900278630
Central Darfur: 0900933256
North Darfur: 0912725848 / 0912167015
South Darfur: 0912179232 / 0921333559 / 0920502030
Kassala: 0912363436
Girba: 0912155648
South Kordofan – Kadugli: 0994490297
South Kordofan – Abu Jubayha: 0961300257
West Kordofan: 0111312065
North Kordofan: 0961300215
Blue Nile: 0912177814
Wad Madani: 0900284866
White Nile: 0912438718 / 0913665508 / 0900943419
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Nov 18, 2024
