Human Rights Assessment | August 6, 2026 | Tawila
- Summary of Facts:
According to field information gathered by the Sudan Rights Watch Network from sources familiar with the case, a young woman (approximately 20 years old) gave birth more than two weeks ago in July. She then left the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital after the birth, leaving the baby behind. She was subsequently arrested and detained.
A source familiar with the case reported that the young woman was subjected to pressure and sexual exploitation by one of the officers responsible for her detention. According to preliminary information from sources close to the case, the officer offered her a sexual relationship in exchange for her release and contact with human rights and humanitarian organizations to provide her with support. She reportedly agreed under the circumstances of her detention and her vulnerable state.
The sources also indicate that during psychological support sessions provided by the NACP (National Association for Children’s Protection), the victim stated that she became pregnant as a result of sexual assault by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while displaced from El Fasher to the Tawila area. She stated that she had been subjected to a violent assault involving beatings, and that the pregnancy resulted from this assault. Initially, she refused to keep the newborn due to the psychological trauma associated with the pregnancy and childbirth.
According to available information, the NACP organization visited the detainee at the detention center and provided her with psychological and social support. Following this, the victim agreed to receive and care for her child. The organization also appealed to other humanitarian organizations to contribute to providing her with humanitarian, psychological, and legal support.
- Initial Human Rights Assessment
The facts, which may require a more comprehensive investigation, indicate serious indications of multiple violations, including:
- Sexual exploitation of detainees and the exploitation of their detention status for sexual gain, which may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and could constitute a criminal offense requiring investigation.
- The continuing effects of sexual violence related to armed conflict and the resulting special needs of survivors.
- The need to ensure the psychological, social, and legal protection of the detainee, taking into account the best interests of the child.
- The necessity of providing safe and confidential mechanisms for reporting violations within places of detention, and protecting victims and witnesses from any acts of reprisal.
- Urgent Recommendations
In light of these incidents, based on the initial information available, the Sudan Rights Watch Network calls for and recommends the following:
- Opening an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual exploitation within the place of detention in this case, ensuring that anyone found to be involved is held accountable.
- Providing immediate protection to the victim and ensuring that she is not subjected to any pressure or reprisal because of her statements.
- Continuing to provide the survivor with psychological, social, medical, and legal support services.
- Enabling relevant humanitarian organizations to access the victim, independently assess her needs, and diligently working to meet those needs.
- Providing the necessary care and protection for the child, in accordance with her best interests, while supporting the mother should she continue to wish to care for her.
- We call upon national bodies and international human rights mechanisms to follow up on this case and monitor any violations that may have occurred in the region.
- Methodological Note
This report is based on preliminary information from field sources. Some of the facts presented herein remain allegations that require a comprehensive and transparent independent investigation to verify them and determine responsibility.
- Why this report as a situation assessment?
Because the available preliminary information came from field sources familiar with our network’s sources, there are strong and serious indications of its reliability and accuracy. (Here, the case requires further investigation from several other independent sources, in addition to accessing the victim herself to hear her account directly.) Therefore, this case warrants an urgent human rights situation assessment report. Other objective reasons include:
First: Multiple violations: The case does not concern a single incident, but rather a series of potential violations, including:
- Rape related to armed conflict.
- Pregnancy resulting from sexual violence.
- Abandonment of the newborn in the context of severe psychological trauma.
- Detention (under unfair conditions).
- Allegation of sexual exploitation within the detention facility in exchange for a promise of release
- The need for protection and psychosocial support.
Second: Ongoing risks: If the young woman remains detained or is subjected to pressure or reprisals, a risk assessment and urgent recommendations are needed. This distinguishes a situation assessment report from a purely documentary research report.
Third: Humanitarian and human rights significance: The case touches upon women’s rights, children’s rights, the prohibition of torture and sexual violence, and violations related to armed conflict topics of concern to international mechanisms.
End
Sudan Rights Watch Network
August 6, 2026