UN experts express alarm over increasing trafficking in persons, child recruitment in Sudan

UN experts are alarmed by increasing reports of trafficking in persons, especially women and girls for sexual exploitation, and child recruitment for hostilities in Sudan, Anadolu Agency reported.

The humanitarian crisis has led to the displacement of over 9 million people, with access to support for victims and survivors reportedly deteriorating since December.

There are reports of women and girls being sold at slave markets in areas controlled by RSF troops and other armed groups in North Darfur.

Concerns have also been raised about the rise in early and forced child marriage, gender-based violence, and recruitment of children by armed groups for exploitation, despite previous warnings to Sudanese authorities and RSF representatives.

UN experts have called for accountability and effective investigation of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as required by international law.

At least 13,900 people have been killed and more than 8 million displaced in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures.