Press Statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura

For immediate release

(New York, 7 November 2014) I am concerned about the allegations recently reported in the media of mass rape of 200 women and girls in Tabit, North Darfur. I call on the Government of Sudan to allow immediate and unhindered access to the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur to investigate and verify whether these incidents have occurred and if so to ensure accountability, and for humanitarian actors to ensure appropriate services for any survivors. It is critical that in the process of verifying the facts that the safety of survivors is of paramount concern. I reiterate the support of the United Nations to Sudanese authorities to address in a comprehensive manner any incidents of conflict-related sexual violence. My Office also stands ready to cooperate with the African Union in line with the UN-AU Framework of Cooperation on Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Africa.

 

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For additional information, please contact the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict:

La Neice Collins with at collins3@un.org/ +1 (917) 714 9430 or

Rikke E. Hennum, at hennum@un.org / +1(212) 963 4321.