​The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to horrific acts of violence against children, with reports indicating that infants as young as one year old have been subjected to rape by armed men. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned these atrocities, stating that such acts "should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action." She emphasised that sexual violence is being used as a tactic of war, constituting a blatant violation of international law and potentially amounting to war crimes.

Since the beginning of 2024, gender-based violence service providers in Sudan have documented 221 cases of child rape, including victims under the age of five. The actual number is likely higher due to underreporting stemming from stigma, fear, and limited access to medical services. Survivors face severe physical injuries and profound psychological trauma, with some being ostracized by their families and communities.

The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war has been a recurring atrocity in Sudan's conflicts. During the Darfur genocide, systematic campaigns of rape targeted women and young girls, aiming to terrorize and displace non-Arab populations. Children as young as two were victims, highlighting the brutality of these acts.

Islam unequivocally condemns such heinous acts. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of kindness and protection towards the vulnerable, stating, "He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones." Islamic teachings advocate for the safeguarding of children's rights and dignity, considering any form of abuse as a grave sin.

The international community must intensify efforts to protect children in conflict zones, ensuring that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable. It is imperative to provide comprehensive support to survivors, addressing both their physical and psychological needs, and to work towards a future where children can live free from the horrors of war and violence.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly the targeted sexual violence against women and children, is a stark reminder of the brutality that unfolds in conflict zones while much of the world looks away. Reports from UNICEF and Human Rights Watch highlight how sexual violence is systematically being used as a weapon of war, leaving deep physical, psychological, and societal scars on survivors. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also documented the mass displacement of over 8 million Sudanese people, many of whom face exploitation, starvation, and a lack of medical aid. These atrocities violate international law, with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) defining rape and sexual violence in conflict as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite global human rights declarations, perpetrators continue to act with impunity.

We must not remain silent. Every effort—whether through donating to relief organisations, amplifying the voices of survivors, or pressuring policymakers to take action, counts. The Qurʾān teaches us that oppression and injustice are temporary, but our responsibility to act is immediate. Let us not be passive bystanders in the face of injustice but active participants in seeking justice, relief, and healing for those suffering in Sudan.