The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR has called for a probe into reports of serious sexual violence and the use of live ammunition against protesters in Sudan.
The allegations surfaced after demonstrations in Khartoum, where tens of thousands had massed to mark the third anniversary of protests that led to the overthrow of long-time President Omar al-Bashir, in April 2019.
UN rights office Spokesperson Liz Throssell said protesters who made for the presidential palace were also protesting against October’s military coup and the political agreement signed later on November 21.
Speaking in Geneva, she said that security forces were alleged to have raped or gang raped 13 women and girls.
Two protesters also died after being shot and 300 others were injured, she said. Some were hit by live ammunition or tear gas canisters or beaten by security forces, while others suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling tear gas.
At a scheduled briefing, the UN rights office Spokesperson said OHCHR’s Joint Human Rights Office in Sudan had learned of the 13 allegations of rape or gang rape.
