The Independent Conservative here, just keeping you aware of what continues to be a very sad situation.
Sudan: Gender-Based Violence Still Rampant in Darfur, Say Aid Agencies
Humanitarian agencies have called for increased efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in war-torn western Sudan, saying such acts against women violate their human rights.
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“The impact of the conflict is very clear in all aspects of life. But it’s more clear on women, children, and the elderly because they are most fragile,” noted Elhaj Atalmnan Idris, the deputy governor of South Darfur.
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GBV, particularly the rape of women and girls by armed groups, has been widely reported throughout Darfur. According to state records, however, only five cases of rape have been prosecuted, resulting in three convictions so far.
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An earlier report released by UNFPA and the UN Children’s Fund said a study had shown that sexual violence was consistently reported during attacks on villages – especially when women and girls left the camps.
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“Unmarried girls were the most affected, and some did not seek health care in clinics due to stigma and shame,” the report said. Women in the focus groups cited “physical injuries due to beatings, rape, miscarriages, excessive bleeding or injuries sustained during flight from the enemies” as some of the health problems they had suffered.Sexually transmitted diseases, malnutrition, irregular menstrual cycles and psychological disturbances such as nightmares were also frequently mentioned by the women.
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I just ask that you pray and continue to support efforts to help these people.
Keep in mind that Bin Laden used to hang out in the Sudan and if left unchecked, this area will continue to breed new enemies for the United States. Nations like China have been working to impede some efforts to bring pressure on the ruling government of Sudan. China has been busy trying to cut business deals with them for their own benefit. This situation of radicals in parts of Africa is a matter we cannot ignore. I realize areas like Iran are probably more pressing at the moment, but Islamic Radicals operate on multiple fronts. So the allies of freedom must do the same!
Update 12/7/2005 12:12AM: I just remembered, that one woman from the Sudan that was forced to “be with” Bin Laden has written a book about her story. For that a fatwa has been issued for her death. Check out this transcript of the interview with Kola Boof.
