22.10.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

Most of the estimated 30,000 children abducted by Ugandan rebels of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) during its two-decade-long war with government were sold to fight in Sudan's Darfur province ("Report: Ugandan rebels sold abducted children to fight in Darfur"), Autor: Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA) [ID 25145]

Document(s): Open document

02.10.2008 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

North Darfur: Weeks after fighting between government and rebel forces, aid workers have yet to reach thousands of displaced civilians in nearby mountains and forests; acts of violence, such as robberies and hijacking of aid vehicles seem to remain prevalent ("IDPs out of reach as violence hinders agencies") [ID 25002]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

North Darfur: Insurgent groups said Sudanese forces launched "very heavy" ground and air attacks on rebel positions and villages ("Sudan accused of bombing Darfur rebels, villagers"), Autor: Reuters [ID 24999]

Document(s): Open document

08.09.2008 - Source: Daily Star

North Darfur: According to Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) fighters, dozens of Darfur rebels and government soldiers were killed in clashes following military attacks ("Darfur rebels accuse Khartoum of new offensive"), Autor: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 24995]

Document(s): Open document

07.09.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

North Darfur: Sudanese forces launched ground and air attacks on at least 3 rebel positions, killing an unknown number of people, insurgent groups said ("Sudanese forces attack Darfur rebel bases-insurgents"), Autor: Reuters [ID 24994]

Document(s): Open document

26.08.2008 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Darfur: Police continued to surround one of the largest sites for internally displaced people, a day after gunfire caused dozens of injuries and, according to some sources, numerous fatalities ("Volatile IDP site needs a lasting solution, UN") [ID 24568]

Document(s): Open document

26.08.2008 - Source: Daily Star

Darfur: At least 25 people killed and more than 100 wounded in a firefight at a refugee camp ("Scores dead as battle erupts in Darfur refugee camp"), Autor: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 24569]

Document(s): Open document

25.08.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

Darfur: Up to 27 people killed and scores wounded when Sudanese forces attacked refugee camp ("Sudan forces kill 27 in Darfur camp clash-rebels"), Autor: Reuters Foundation [ID 24566]

Document(s): Open document

25.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

Darfur: Troops open fire in a refugee camp, leaving 27 dead, rebels say ("Sudan 'kills refugees in Darfur'") [ID 24567]

Document(s): Open document

21.08.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

South Darfur: Up to 70 people killed in armed clashes over water and grazing land between nomadic Rizeigat and Misseriya tribes ("Up to 70 killed in Darfur tribal clashes"), Autor: Reuters Foundation [ID 24564]

Document(s): Open document

13.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

Darfur: Government launches a major offensive against rebel bases, rebels say ("Sudan 'launches attack in north'") [ID 24372]

Document(s): Open document

13.08.2008 - Source: ReliefWeb

Darfur: Army has begun a massive operation to wipe out rebel bases, two Darfur rebel factions said ("Sudanese army attacks rebels in North Darfur"), Autor: Reuters [ID 24373]

Document(s): Open document

28.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

Darfur: UN mission is failing to provide adequate protection to civilians, aid agencies claim ("Darfur force 'failing civilians'") [ID 24364]

Document(s): Open document

05.2008 - Source: Sudan Organisation Against Torture

South Darfur: Arbitrary arrest and torture in detention of members of the Fur ethnic group ("Alternative Report To Sudan’s Periodic Report Before the 43rd Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Swaziland, May 2008)") [ID 24045]

"On 25 April 2006 an individual named Ahmed al-Reheed (Fur) died in the custody of military intelligence in Sanya Dalaiba, South Darfur, as a result of physical abuse he suffered during 19 days that he spent in detention on suspicion of working with rebel groups.

No legal action has been taken against the perpetrators. [...]

On 7 September 2007 security agents arrested five men between the ages of 27 and 50 - four of Fur ethnicity and one of Marareet ethnicity - from the Otash IDP camp near Nyala, South Darfur, on suspicion of committing crimes against the state.

They were held without charge in the custody of the security services and were subjected to physical abuse including being flogged and kicked, and being beaten with hands and sticks.

The detainees were eventually released but the perpetrators of the abuse have not been arrested."

Document(s): Open document

07.04.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Darfur: Report on sexual violence and government response ("Five Years On; No Justice for Sexual Violence in Darfur") [ID 23336]

"Five years into the armed conflict in Sudan's Darfur region, women and girls living in displaced persons camps, towns, and rural areas remain extremely vulnerable to sexual violence.

Sexual violence continues to occur throughout the region, both in the context of continuing attacks on civilians, and during periods of relative calm.

Those responsible are usually men from the Sudanese security forces, militias, rebel groups, and former rebel groups, who target women and girls predominantly (but not exclusively) from Fur, Zaghawa, Masalit, Berti, Tunjur, and other non-Arab ethnicities.

Survivors of sexual violence in Darfur have no meaningful access to redress.

They fear the consequences of reporting their cases to the authorities and lack the resources needed to prosecute their attackers.

Police are physically present only in principal towns and government outposts, and they lack the basic tools and political will for responding to sexual violence crimes and conducting investigations.

Police frequently fail to register complaints or conduct proper investigations. While some police seem genuinely committed to service, many exhibit an antagonistic and dismissive attitude toward women and girls.

These difficulties are exacerbated by the reluctance and limited ability of police to investigate crimes committed by soldiers or militia, who often gain effective immunity under laws that protect them from civilian prosecution."

Document(s): Report
Press Release

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Human rights violations in 2007: Torture, violence against women, rape, attacks on humanitarian convoys, attacks on civilians ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22726]

"In Darfur government forces, Janjaweed, Darfur rebel groups, and tribal factions committed serious abuses during the year, including the reported killing of approximately 1,600 persons.

Government, Janjaweed militias, and tribal factions razed numerous villages, committed acts of torture, and perpetrated violence against women.

Darfur rebel groups were also responsible for rape and attacks on humanitarian convoys and compounds to steal equipment and supplies, resulting in injury to humanitarian workers.

Civilians continued to suffer from the effects of genocide. [...]

According to the UN, more than 200,000 persons have died, 2.2 million civilians have been internally displaced, and an estimated 231,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Chad since the conflict began in 2003.

Despite the presence in Darfur of the African Union-led international monitoring force (African Union Mission in Sudan or AMIS), security remained a major problem throughout the year."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Anti-government and insurgent groups continued to violate human rights in 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22729]

"Antigovernment and insurgent groups also committed numerous, serious abuses in Darfur.

Factions of the SLA, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and other rebel groups in Darfur committed killings, including of AMIS peacekeeping forces, beatings, abductions, rape, robbery, destruction of property, forcible conscription, and recruitment of child soldiers.

They restricted freedom of movement of populations under their control and access of relief workers and supplies, and kidnapped nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: IDPs mistreated, raped and sexually abused by security forces ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22822]

"Security forces beat IDPs.

For example, on October 28, security forces entered Otash IDP camp in South Darfur and used sticks and rubber hoses to forcibly move IDPs who had fled there from a neighboring camp.

There was a clear and documented pattern of rape and sexual abuse directed at IDPs of all ages in Darfur."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

All parties to the conflict engaged in attacks and other acts of violence in 2007; approximately 1,600 persons were killed, 280,000 persons were internally displaced; humanitarian groups were attacked; rape was used as a weapon, the use of child soldiers remained widespread ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23049]

"During the year all parties to the conflict engaged in attacks and other acts of violence which resulted in the reported killings of approximately 1,600 persons, numerous injuries, the internal displacement of 280,000 persons in Darfur, and widespread property destruction.

The conflict worsened due to increased attacks by rebel groups on humanitarian workers and civilians, the continued factionalization of rebel groups, and intertribal warfare.

The use of rape as a weapon and the recruitment of child soldiers continued to be widespread. [...]

There were no reports that the government prosecuted or otherwise penalized attacking militias or made efforts to protect civilian victims from attacks.

Government forces provided logistic and transportation support, weapons, and ammunition to government-aligned militias.

Darfur rebel groups also attacked AMIS peacekeeping forces and personnel, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and government-aligned militias, civilians, and other rebel factions, killing hundreds of persons. [...]

Intertribal fighting also resulted in the killings of civilians. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: All parties to the conflict perpetrated acts of torture and abuse in 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23050]

"All parties to the conflict perpetrated acts of torture and abuse.

On February 14, a 55-year-old Fur woman was beaten by SLA/Minawi forces outside of Kunda village. According to UNMIS, the men accused her of providing food to a rival faction.

In March an IDP from the Rwanda camp reported that armed SLA/Minawi gunmen attacked 50 farmers in the area of Wadi Tina. When the IDP tried to flee, he was hit in the arm and then beaten with sticks and gun butts.

On September 9, approximately 40 unidentified militiamen attacked the villages of Merkele and Modogulu, West Darfur.

The militiamen pillaged homes and beat those who resisted with sticks and whips.

Four militiamen beat and whipped a 60-year-old sheikh and accused him of harboring rebels."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Recruitment of child soldiers remained a serious problem in 2007 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23051]

"Recruitment of child soldiers remained a serious problem in Darfur.

In August the UN issued the Report of the Secretary-General on Children in Armed Conflict in the Sudan, which cited credible reports that the SAF, government-aligned Popular Defense Forces (PDF), janjaweed, central reserve police, and numerous Darfur rebel groups including the JEM, the SLA/Minawi, the SLA/Wahid, the SLA/Peace Wing, and the SLA/Abu Gasim recruited child soldiers.

The UN report also cited recruitment of child soldiers by Chadian rebel forces operating inside Sudan.

Darfur rebel groups also reportedly recruited child soldiers in the Sudanese refugee camps in Chad."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Rape and other forms of sexual violence remain widespread and systematic; the majority of victims are women and girls living in IDP camps ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23052]

"The UN's International Commission of Inquiry in Darfur found in 2005 that "rape or other forms of sexual violence committed by the janjaweed and government soldiers in Darfur was widespread and systematic."

This trend continued during the year.

The majority of victims were women and girls who lived in IDP camps and were raped when they left their camps to gather firewood, water, or food.

Women often described the perpetrators as "men in uniform", either government or rebel soldiers.

Rape victims were almost always beaten, threatened with death, and subjected to racial epithets during attacks.

In some cases attackers killed their victims.

In April four armed men dressed in camouflage uniforms raped two young women who were collecting firewood outside the Kassab IDP camp. The women were whipped and raped for several hours before being released.

According to UNMIS, on August 13, seven government soldiers raped an 18-year-old woman from an Arab tribe in El Fasher, North Darfur. The victim stated that she was walking home when approached by a group of soldiers, who beat her and then took her to a tent close to a SAF checkpoint, where they raped her for three hours.

According to a November report by the UN Human Rights Council, UN agencies documented 46 victims of sexual violence from June to October.

The UN estimated that the number of victims of sexual violence was actually significantly higher due to limited access to certain areas and underreporting of abuses.

Authorities, particularly the police, often obstructed access to justice for rape victims. [...]

[...] significant problems remained, including the harassment and intimidation by police of rape victims, lack of investigations into rape allegations, and the continued impunity of the police in Darfur.

During the year, there were no successful prosecutions for rape in Darfur."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Number of IDPs increased; government provides little assistance or protection to IDPs; IDPs subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence, beaten and abused by government forces ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23053]

"The UN estimated that at least 2.2 million persons had been displaced by the conflict in Darfur and that another 231,000 persons had fled to Chad.

Despite the signing of the DPA in May 2006, continued attacks and violence in Darfur, perpetrated by all parties to the conflict, resulted in hundreds of thousands of new displacements, and some existing IDPs were displaced for the second or third time.

For example, the UN estimated that the number of newly displaced IDPs increased by approximately 250,000 between January and July due to increased fighting and insecurity.

In the second week of October, the UN and other agencies reported that intense fighting in Muhajeria, South Darfur resulted in the displacement of 40,000.

Darfur IDPs did not return in any significant numbers to their place of origin, although small scale spontaneous returns to certain villages occurred.

Hundreds of thousands of persons, largely southerners and westerners displaced by famine and civil war, continued to live in squatter slums around Khartoum.

The government provided little assistance or protection to IDPs.

In Darfur, local police established checkpoints near some IDP camps, though police made little effort to provide security. [...]

There were numerous reports of abuses committed against IDPs, including rapes, beatings, and attempts by the government to forcibly return persons to their homes, or to alternative IDP camps and other sites.

There were credible reports that the government harassed IDPs in Darfur who spoke with foreign observers, especially high-profile foreigners, demanding to know the content of their discussions.

The government occasionally blocked commercial and road access to IDP camps, purportedly for security reasons.

Insecurity in Darfur, especially outside of IDP camps, restricted IDPs' freedom of movement; women and girls who left the town risked sexual violence.

The government forced or coerced IDPs to return to their villages by promising food and money; however, most IDPs who returned to the villages to receive the assistance later returned to the IDP camps.

The government forced IDPs to relocate to alternative IDP camps or other sites."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

NGOs and human rights workers, particularly in Darfur, are subjected to killings, threats, attacks, government harassment, abduction and robbery ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23230]

"Various local human rights groups were active in the country, but they suffered from government harassment, particularly those groups reporting on sexual violence.

The government was generally uncooperative with and unresponsive to domestic human rights groups.

Major local NGOs included Sudan Organization Against Torture and Sudan Development Organization.

In an effort to silence them, the government often charged human rights groups with spreading false information.

For instance, the government harassed NGOs in Darfur, intimidated their local staff, and arrested and detained workers treating victims of sexual violence.

Government security forces often detained humanitarian staff members under the Criminal Act, usually on charges of spreading false information.

During the year 13 human rights workers were killed, 59 were assaulted, 61 were arrested and detained, and 147 were kidnapped, according to the UN.

Also according to the UN, there were 77 attacks on humanitarian convoys, and 137 humanitarian vehicles were hijacked or stolen during the year.

On March 28, the government and the UN signed the Joint Communiqué, an agreement intended to reduce bureaucratic impediments to humanitarian assistance by improving the efficiency with which the government processes visas and travel permits and clears customs for humanitarian NGOs.

Despite the signing of the Joint Communiqué, humanitarian NGOs operating in Darfur continued to face bureaucratic impediments to their work.

All NGOs must register with the HAC, the government's entity for regulating humanitarian efforts.

In 2005 the HAC assumed a role in hiring NGO national staff, which caused major delays in hiring new staff for Darfur and resulted in some NGO selections not being considered.[...]

In March the South Darfur HAC issued a decree suspending more than 50 local human rights NGOs.

In August the government expelled the country director of the international NGO CARE, accusing him of engaging in unspecified illegal activities.

In March 2006 the government enacted the Organization of Humanitarian and Voluntary Work Act, which requires government approval before NGOs can begin work on projects and places restrictions on the acceptance of foreign money by NGOs operating in the country.

Many NGOs believed that the government used the new law to curtail their work on human rights.

Rebels and other armed bandits abducted NGO workers and contractors, particularly in Darfur.

Banditry and armed robbery of humanitarian convoys by rebel groups in Darfur was common.

For example, between July 14 and July 17, armed men conducted five separate attacks on vehicles transporting UN World Food Program commodities in South Darfur.

According to UN reports, attacks against aid workers increased by 150 percent from June 2006 to June 2007.

Such attacks have forced humanitarian aid workers to relocate on numerous occasions."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Women remain vulnerable to abuse and rape but often do not report their cases to police for fear of punishment or arrest for "illegal pregnancy" ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23231]

"Women in Darfur were vulnerable to abuse and rape.

Many victims did not report their cases either to family or authorities for fear they would be punished or arrested for "illegal pregnancy."

Despite a 2005 decree that waived the requirement for rape victims to file a police report before receiving medical treatment, some local authorities continued to require the report.

According to the UN and several international NGOs, many local police were unaware of the new policy.

Many women distrusted the police, and few victims actually filed reports.

The police arrested unmarried pregnant women who claimed to have been raped.

Unless a rape victim could provide proof of the crime, she could be charged with the capital offense of adultery.

The punishment for rape under the law varies from 100 lashes to 10 years' imprisonment to death. Spousal rape is not addressed.

In most rape cases convictions were not publicized; however, observers believed that sentences often were less than the legal maximum."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Darfur: Throughout the year 2007, parties on all sides of the conflict committed atrocities against civilians; summary of attacks on civilians, IDPs, troops and humanitarian organisations by government forces and rebel groups within 2007 ("World Report 2008") [ID 22189]

"The proliferation of rebel groups, which clashed with each other as well as with government military and allied forces, not only challenged peace initiatives but also created an increasingly unpredictable situation on the ground for civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies.

Throughout the year, parties on all sides of the conflict committed atrocities against civilians.

The Sudanese government played a central role in fomenting the chaos, both continuing to carry out direct attacks on civilians and failing to rein in or hold accountable individuals responsible for abuses.

In July the government finally consented to the deployment of a joint African Union-United Nations "hybrid" peacekeeping force for Darfur.

However, throughout the rest of the year progress towards deployment was dogged by Sudanese government obstruction, bureaucratic delays, and the slow pace of military contributions to the force.

The government made no genuine efforts to address the impunity with which abuses have been carried out. [...]

In late 2006 the government renewed bombing, striking areas under rebel control in North Darfur on an almost daily basis.

Government-backed militias also attacked the civilian population throughout Darfur, even in camps for internally displaced persons.

Prior to peace talks in October 2007 there was once again an increase in violence, including major attacks on the towns of Haskanita and Muhajariya.

In May 2006 Sudan Liberation Army (SLA)-Minawi rebel leader Minni Minawi signed the Darfur Peace Agreement with the government and was subsequently appointed Special Assistant to the President, but residents of North Darfur increasingly complain about abuses carried out by his forces.

These abuses - and clashes between rebel groups and SLA-Minawi fighters - caused thousands to flee from the Korma and Tawila areas of North Darfur to displaced persons camps.

Since January 2007 fighting among Arab groups has also left more than 200 people dead and forced thousands more to flee.

More than 250,000 civilians were newly displaced in the first nine months of 2007 alone, bringing the total displaced population in Darfur to more than 2.2 million.

While large scale attacks drive people into IDP camps, ongoing violence keeps them there. The camps themselves are becoming increasingly violent with no guarantee of safety.

Sexual violence in particular continues to be a feature of everyday life for women and girls.

The African Union Mission to Sudan (AMIS) has also come under attack. On September 30, 2007 unidentified forces attacked an African Union base in Haskanita, South Darfur, killing 10 AMIS peacekeepers.

After almost five years of conflict, more than four million people - two thirds of the population of Darfur - depend on humanitarian assistance.

However, humanitarian operations continue to be hampered by insecurity. The UN estimated that in June 2007 one in every six relief convoys that left provincial capitals was attacked, either by Janjaweed, rebels, or bandits.

Twelve humanitarian workers were killed in the first nine months of 2007."

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

South Darfur: Violent clashes between Fur and Zaghawa IDPs and other ethnic groups in Kalma camp; Zaghawa and Massalit IDPs were detained and beaten by armed Fur men and children ("Final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8, presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [A/HRC/6/19]") [ID 24046]

"In Kalma camp (South Darfur), a number of violent incidents broke out between Fur and Zaghawa IDPs following incidents that took place from 16 - 19 October 2007 during which three IDPs were killed and seven wounded.

Efforts by the Government to enter the camp were met with violent resistance. Humanitarian agencies were obliged to evacuate the camp. [...]

Violent incidents reported to have occurred inside Kalma camp between 18-23 October 2007, included attacks on civilians in market areas, restrictions on movements within the camp among tribal lines, as well as of those attempting to leave or return.

Much of the violence reported has been attributed to armed Fur, including children, against other tribes in the camp.

Four Zaghawa men were reported killed and one wounded on 18 October 2007.

The perpetrators were not identified.

Also on 18 October, a group of 30 armed and uniformed Fur men reportedly ordered shopkeepers in a Kalma market to close.

They shot in the air, destroyed some shop displays and provoked civilians to flee.

On 19 October, the same group returned in greater number and beat civilians.

On 20 October, groups of men armed with riffles and children armed with sticks from the Fur community organized in four sectors of the camp, where they implemented road blocks between the sectors to control the movement of IDPs along tribal lines, beating and arresting those from outside the Fur community.

Additional reports were received that Zaghawa and Massaliet IDPs were detained and beaten by armed Fur men and children."

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

North Darfur: Cases of arbitrary detention and torture committed by authorities and SLA/M ("Final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8, presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [A/HRC/6/19]") [ID 24329]

"Documented incidents during the period under review in North Darfur include three cases of arbitrary detention by SLA/MM and nine cases of ill-treatment in detention, of which eight by SLA/MM and one by Government military authorities."

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Darfur: Village attacked, apparently by SLA/M fighters; 2 males killed ("Final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8, presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [A/HRC/6/19]") [ID 24330]

"On 9 July 2007, Hillet Hajar village was attacked; it seems by SLA/MM forces.

A witness reported that the attack took place in the morning, around 11:00, and was carried out by over a hundred armed men mostly dressed in grey plain and camouflage uniforms.

Two males, a 35 and a 15 year old, were killed - each shot and then stabbed - and two other persons were also injured."

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Southern Darfur: SLA/M stronghold attacked by militiamen with apparent government support; at least 30 civilians killed, up to 100 houses burned ("Final report on the situation of human rights in Darfur prepared by the group of experts mandated by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 4/8, presided by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan and composed of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [A/HRC/6/19]") [ID 24331]

"On 8 October 2007, Muhajiria town, a SLA/MM stronghold, was attacked by approximately 900 militiamen, reportedly from the Maalia and Rizeigat tribes, with the apparent support of the Government's Popular Defence Forces (PDF).

An Antonov plane belonging to the Government was also reported to have flown around Muhajiria during the attack and to have bombed two locations on the southern side of the market area.

According to eye-witnesses, the attackers first headed towards the market and kept shooting at people randomly.

After looting the market, they torched the shops and headed towards the residential area, where they continued to fire indiscriminately on people and houses.

At the time of writing of the present report, the number of casualties had yet to be confirmed, but reports indicated that the attack resulted in at least 30 civilian deaths, and in the burning of 70 to 100 houses.

Residents from the area fled to Abu Dangal, Labadu, Khazan Gaddid, El Fasher and Nyala."

Document(s): Open document

11.2007 - Source: Refugees International

Darfur: Report on sexual violence (overview of the crisis, evolving nature of sexual violence, impact of rape, emerging issues like physical protection for women and health response) ("Ending Sexual Violence in Darfur: An Advocacy Agenda") [ID 21947]

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Security situation in Darfur remains volatile; within one year, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, hundreds of civilians killed, humanitarian staff has been attacked, civilian targets have been bombed ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21438]

"All parties to the conflict in Darfur have engaged in military operations since [...] August 2006.

In episodes of violence during the reporting period, tens of thousands of people were displaced, and hundreds of civilians, including children, were killed. Attacks on humanitarian staff and vehicle hijackings have reached unprecedented levels in Darfur, including attacks on peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS), resulting in seven deaths.

The Government of the Sudan conducted areal bombardment of the positions of non-signatory forces and civilian targets, in spite of its commitment in the Abuja Security Protocol of November 2004 to end hostile military flights in the region.

Other factors aggravating the situation include the increased military presence of the Government of the Sudan in Darfur; activities of militias allied to the Government, known as Janjaweed; and clashes between armed groups in favour of, or opposed to, the Darfur Peace Agreement, which has led to the killing and maiming of children as well as to new displacements.

The Government of the Sudan's 24 June 2006 plan to disarm the so-called Janjaweed has not been implemented.

In addition, tribal conflicts and the presence of Chadian armed groups launching attacks against the Chadian Government forces from Darfur have contributed to the generalized insecurity in that region."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Recruitment and use of children in Darfur (July 2006 - July 2007) ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21450]

"Although improved and more systematic monitoring has resulted in better information on violations by groups, the verification of a number of allegations was hampered by insecurity and access limitations.

[...] ...the number of parties listed for recruitment and use of children increased during the present reporting period. However, that figure does not necessarily indicate an increase in the total number of children recruited and used.

[...] During the present reporting period, credible reports have indicated that the following armed forces and groups are recruiting and using children in Darfur: the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM (Peace Wing)), the Sudan Liberation Army (Minni Minawi), SLA (Abu Gasim), SLA (Peace Wing), SLA (Abdul Wahid), the Popular Defence Forces (PDF), the Chadian rebel forces, Government of the Sudan-allied militias (Janjaweed) and the central reserve police.

[...] The fragmentation of the armed groups in Darfur has affected the children associated with those groups.

Seven boys between 14 and 16 years of age who were recruited by SLA before it split into various factions were held in SLA (Abdul Shafi) military detention between August and December 2006. They appear to have been detained because they were from the Zaghawa ethnic group, while the SLA faction they stayed with was predominantly Fur. [...]

Some of the children [...] stated that they had been fighting in East Jebel Mara (Southern Darfur) for the past three years.

There were confirmed reports in November 2006 that SLA (Abu Gasim) recruited and used children.

In April 2007, armed children believed to be as young as 12 years of age and wearing uniforms were identified with SLA (Minawi) at Khazan Tunjur, south-west of Al-Fasher in Northern Darfur.

In May 2007, 13 boys confirmed to UNMIS field monitors that they were recruited and were being used as combatants by the armed group JEM (Peace Wing). [...]

While SAF denies any recruitment and use of children in their forces, the United Nations and AMIS filed monitors have observed children associated with both SAF and allied militias.

In April 2007, armed children believed to be associated with Government-allied militia were identified in the Kutum area.

Two separate incidents reported in May 2007 indicated the presence of children in government-regulated forces.

During a visit to one of the Darfur police stations in May 2007, AMIS came across a child 17 years of age who was arrested and detained for allegedly shooting and wounding a civilian without justification.

Also confirmed was the presence of children as young as 15 years of age with guns, some dressed in the uniform of PDF militia, recruited and used by that group in Mukjar, Western Darfur."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Killing of children and civilians related to armed conflict and due to unexploded ordnance in Darfur (July 2006 - July 2007) ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21579]

"Sixty-two children were confirmed to have been killed during the reporting period in Darfur. However, the United Nations received additional reports alleging the killing of a further 110 children, which could not be verified.

The Government of Sudan's aerial bombardments resulted in the deaths of children.

For example, two children 4 and 15 years of age were killed in May 2007 as a result of the bombing of villages in Northern Darfur by the Government of the Sudan.

In a series of incidents during late August 2006 in the Buram area of Southern Darfur, at least 11 children were confirmed killed when a militia from the local Habania ethnic group, described as Janjaweed, attacked about 50 villages and killed children by throwing them into burning houses.

In addition, during the first six months of 2007 alone, 16 people died as a result of unexploded ordnance, of whom most were children tending animals, playing or working in the fields.

[...] Although civilians, including children, continue to be killed during attacks in various parts of Darfur, the full extent of child casualties is unknown owing to limitations in access. The identification of perpetrators remains a considerable challenge."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Rape and grave sexual violence in Darfur (July 2006 - July 2007) ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21582]

"In Darfur, rape is widespread and used as weapon of war.

It is clear that the problem extends far beyond the few cases that have been confirmed.

Generally, perpetrators are armed men, often in uniform, targeting internally displaced persons or village women and girls on their way to and from livelihood activities.

In many incidents, victims identified perpetrators as elements of SAF, the central reserve police and the Janjaweed.

Unidentified armed men have allegedly committed rape in a number of other incidents.

Increasingly, the trend in Darfur seems to indicate that younger girls are being specifically targeted for rape.

There were also five boys among 62 confirmed reports of rape during the year.

26. On 15 April 2007, two girls, ages 10 and 12, from Northern Darfur, returning home from working on a farm, were approached by two armed soldiers dressed in green khaki uniforms. One soldier pushed the 12-year-old girl to the ground and raped her while the other continued beating the 10-year-old. Upon seeing a group of internally displaced persons approaching, the soldiers reportedly quickly escaped southward in the direction of the SAF military camp in nearby Umm Dereisa.

Two SLA (Minawi) soldiers raped a 12-year-old girl at Taradona in Northern Darfur on 15 October 2006. She was brutally attacked and beaten. The allegation was confirmed and attributed to SLA (Minawi).

In September 2006, it was confirmed that four SAF soldiers raped a girl 16 years of age in Eastern Jebel Marra. The attack was carried out in the presence of the girl's six-month-old son, who was born as a result of an earlier rape.

These rape cases reflect the daily atrocities to which girls are subjected, many of which occur when girls are fetching water, collecting firewood or performing other such domestic chores.

[...] In Darfur, investigation and prosecution of the crime of rape is very rare. Many cases go unreported owing to the stigma attached to the survivor. The justice system in Darfur is very weak.

During the reporting period, there were three cases recorded that involved two central reserve police officers and one SAF soldier who were prosecuted for the alleged rape of children as young as 13 years of age."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Abduction of children in Darfur (July 2006 - July 2007) ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21586]

"There were 26 confirmed cases of abduction and, in one case, four civilian men were charged in Kass, Southern Darfur. They were found not guilty of abduction but were found guilty under forced labour charges and ordered to pay compensation for unpaid wages.

On 19 March 2007, a boy 15 years of age was abducted near the Kabkabiya area by 10 armed men believed to be elements of SLA (Minawi). The boy managed to escape and returned home.

There were also more than 150 additional reports of abduction that could not be confirmed."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2007 - Source: UN Security Council

Attacks on schools or hospitals in Darfur (July 2006 - July 2007) ("Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Sudan [S/2007/520]") [ID 21612]

"Seven attacks on schools by SAF and allied militias were confirmed [...], and six others remained unconfirmed.

An investigation into the aerial attack by SAF on the village of Umm Rai in Northern Darfur on 21 April 2007 revealed that a helicopter fired nine rockets at the school while 170 children were having lessons inside the classrooms.

Four rockets landed inside the school grounds, as close as two metres from the classrooms. Five rockets reportedly landed just outside the school fence.

Two children, a boy and a girl between 12 and 14 years of age, suffered superficial injuries.

[...]Equally disturbing are reports that elements of SAF were involved in the looting of health facilities in Darfur.

On 1 September 2006, SAF soldiers looted the health centre, the pharmacy and the guesthouse of an international non-governmental organization in Hashaba North, Northern Darfur after non-governmental organizations staff were killed in crossfire.

Elsewhere, SAF Antonov aircraft bombed Bir Maza, Northern Darfur on 4 November 2006, undermining a polio vaccination campaign planned for 8 November 2006."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Darfur: Scores of civilians killed in clashes and attacks on villages in 2006 ("Annual Report 2007") [ID 20073]

"

A number of armed groups which opposed the DPA regrouped as the National Redemption Front in June. After a massive troop build-up in Darfur in August, the government launched an offensive against areas controlled by those groups in North Darfur and Jebel Marra. Government aircraft indiscriminately or directly bombed civilians. Forces of the SLA Minawi faction also attacked civilians. In November, Janjawid killings and forcible displacements of civilians in villages near areas controlled by armed opposition groups increased. Members of armed opposition groups were responsible for attacking humanitarian convoys, abducting aid workers, and reportedly killing and torturing civilians.

• In July more than 72 people, including some 11 primary school pupils, were killed during attacks by the SLA Minawi faction, at the time allied with the government, on villages apparently under SLA control in North Darfur. AMIS was accused of failing to answer pleas for help.

• The Gereida region was insecure throughout 2006, with scores of villages destroyed in attacks by Janjawid or other armed groups. Some 80,000 people fled the camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Gereida after fighting between forces of the SLA Minawi faction and the Justice and Equality Movement in October.

• In November at least 50 civilians were killed, including 21 children under 10, when Janjawid attacked eight villages and an IDP camp in Jebel Moon in West Darfur. AMIS forces arrived the day after the attack. The Governor of West Darfur promised an inquiry but no findings had been made public by the end of 2006."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Government forces, Janjaweed and rebel groups committed serious human rights violations in 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19126]

"In Darfur government forces, janjaweed, and Darfur rebel groups committed serious abuses during the year, including the reported killing of at least several thousand civilians. Government and janjaweed militias razed numerous villages of African tribes, and committed acts of torture and violence against women. Darfur rebel groups were also responsible for rape and attacks on humanitarian convoys and compounds in order to steal equipment and supplies, resulting in death and injury to humanitarian workers. According to the UN, more than 200,000 persons have died, two million civilians have been internally displaced, and an estimated 234,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Chad since the conflict began in 2003. Despite the presence in Darfur of the African Union-led international monitoring force (African Union Mission in Sudan or AMIS), security remained a major problem and deteriorated during the year, with reports of violence increasing during the latter half of the year. "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Ongoing government attacks on civilians in 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19268]

"According to the UN, more than 200,000 persons have died since 2003 as a result of the violence and forced displacement. The government continued to support the largely Arab nomad janjaweed militia, which terrorized and killed civilians, raped women, and burned and pillaged the region.

During the year the government resumed aerial bombardment of civilian targets, including homes, schools, and markets.

According to UNMIS, on April 24, government armed forces and government-aligned militia attacked Joghana town in South Darfur with Land Cruisers, helicopters, and a converted Antonov bomber. Many of the Land Cruisers were painted white, as was the bomber, in what observers believed was an attempt to disguise them as NGO or UN vehicles. Reports indicated that civilians were targeted during the attack, although the number of casualties had not been confirmed by year's end.

Government bombing of civilian targets in North Darfur continued throughout the latter half of the year. On September 6, Human Rights Watch noted that international observers reported government Antonov bombers had attacked Hassan village, in North Darfur, during the last week of August, killing one woman and seven children. AMIS later confirmed that raids near Kukul had killed 20 people and displaced more than 1,000.

Aerial bombardments near Tawila, North Darfur, occurred during the first two weeks of September. Although no one is known to have died during these bombings, the attacks drove an additional 400 IDPs into the Rwanda camp near Tawila, severely straining camp resources. According to UNMIS, 12 people died at the camp between from August 15 to September 15 due to insufficient medical attention.

In late December the government bombed the villages of Anka and Um Rai, North Darfur. AMIS reported that five civilians died as a result of the bombings.

Throughout the year, the government and government-aligned militias attacked IDP camps, civilian facilities, and housing, killing at least several hundred civilians. "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Darfur: Ongoing attacks on civilians by rebel groups and armed men in 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19272]

"On October 29, hundreds of armed militiamen in green uniforms attacked several villages and the Aro Sharow IDP camp near Jebel Moon, in West Darfur. At least 50 civilians were killed, including 26 children, most of whom were under the age of 10. According to survivor accounts obtained by UNMIS, the attackers told residents in one village "We have come to destroy you," and shouted "Come out, slaves!" One boy was heard pleading for his life, telling his attacker, "You have killed this other boy, so please let me go." The attacker responded, "If I let you go, you will grow up. I will not let you go." He then shot the boy. As many as 7,000 people in the area were displaced by the violence, many fleeing across the border into Chad.

Violence in Birmaza, North Darfur in November between government forces, janjaweed and rebel groups killed more than 20 civilians, displaced an unknown number of persons, and destroyed six UN World Food Programme warehouses.

On December 1 and 2, armed men attacked the village of Abu Sakin, North Darfur, killing at least 11 persons, and displacing an unknown number of others. On December 23, a UN assessment mission to the village confirmed that it had been deserted and looted and that more than 50 houses burned. "

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Darfur: Serious human rights violations by government forces and rebel groups ("World Report 2007") [ID 19064]

"All of the warring parties violated the 2004 ceasefire agreement, subsequent security
protocols, and a UN arms embargo imposed on Darfur under UN Security Council
resolution 1591 in March 2005. Sudanese government forces and allied “Janjaweed
militias” were responsible for serious abuses of civilians, including killings, torture
and regular incidents of rape and sexual assault of women and girls. Some rebel
factions were also responsible for serious crimes against civilians in Darfur. At least
200,000 people were displaced by violent attacks in Darfur in 2006, some for the
second or third time."

Document(s): Open document

06.09.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Government indiscriminately bombs civilian-occupied villages ("Darfur: Indiscriminate Bombing Warrants U.N. Sanctions") [ID 15796]

"Sources on the ground indicate that the government of Sudan is indiscriminately bombing civilian-occupied villages in rebel-held North Darfur, Human Rights Watch said today. The bombing campaign comes as Khartoum is threatening to eject African Union peacekeepers and stymieing efforts to deploy a U.N. force to the region, and should trigger sanctions against senior Sudanese government officials."

Document(s): Open document

05.09.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Fighting is escalating in the region ("Heightened tension and frustration in Darfur") [ID 15802]

Document(s): Open document

31.08.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Security of civil groups in rebel-held areas not granted ("Urgent Action 235/06 [AFR 54/045/2006]") [ID 15857]

Document(s): Open document

24.08.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

More than 200 women have been sexually assaulted in the last 5 weeks around Kalma IDP-camp ("Sexual violence spikes around South Darfur camp") [ID 15893]

Document(s): Open document

23.08.2006 - Source: BBC News

Sharp escalation in sexual attacks on displaced women and young girls ("Aid agency warns on Darfur rapes") [ID 15897]

Document(s): Open document

23.08.2006 - Source: BBC News

Aid agencies alarmed by sharp escalation in sexual attacks on displaced women and girls ("Aid agency warns on Darfur rapes") [ID 17202]

Document(s): Open document

15.08.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Region ravaged by escalating violence and crisis, despite Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) ("Darfur grows deadlier"), Autor: OneWorld International Foundation (OWIF) [ID 17203]

Document(s): Open document

02.05.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Series of attacks on rebel-controlled villages in the Southern part of the region ("Government offensive raises fears of attack on Gereida") [ID 17211]

Document(s): Dokument

20.04.2006 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Darfur: Conflict-related sexual violence against women ("10th European Country of Origin Infomation Seminar Budapest, 1 - 2 December 2005: Final Report on Sudan") [#49770],  [ID 19032]

"Rape is used as a war strategy against the local population in Darfur. It is a tool to humiliate both women and their husbands and fathers. In March 2004 in South Darfur, there was a case where over 60 women were raped in front of their family members. Many women were brought to Khartoum by the security personnel to be used as slaves.
In Darfur, rape occurs on a daily basis. The police presence is scarce and victims of rape do not have access to female police officers or personnel that is trained to deal with rape cases. Victims of rape are obliged by law to go to the police station before they can consult a doctor. Doctors are not allowed to treat a victim without an announcement, otherwise they would be prosecuted. In addition to that, women do not talk openly about rape, as a social stigma is attached to it. The international community tries to encourage the women to claim their rights.
HS: The issue of rape in Darfur has been very well documented. Victims of crime including rape have to go to the police to get a so called “Form 8” before they can seek medical treatment. If they don’t, the doctors will be liable to punishment, as well as the victims. Victims of rape might be prosecuted as adulterers. Possible sentences for adultery are extremely harsh under sharia law. Therefore this is a very difficult field for human rights advocates, NGOs and the UN to work in. It took two years to get the Form 8 requirement formally abolished, but it is not clear, when it will be abolished in practice. The social stigma is also a big problem for the victims of GBV, as is the impunity. We are not aware that any person accused of rape has yet been properly convicted in court."

Document(s): Open document

27.03.2006 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Civilian population in the region has been the victim of systematic killings and looting ("Report by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mr. Doudou Diène; Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received; Addendum [E/CN.4/2006/16/Add.1]") [ID 15885]

"Since 14 February 2003, the civilian population in the Darfur region has been the victim of systematic killings and looting. Allegedly, these human rights violations are mainly committed by Government-allied militias such as the Janjaweed, Muraheleen and Popular Defence Forces. Reportedly the victims are mostly from the Fur ethnic communities of the Masalit, Dajo, Tunjur and Tama whereas the members of the militia are Soudanese of Arab descent. Allegedly, the Fur are sedentary populations whom consider themselves as “Blacks” and/or “indigenous Africans”, who speak their own local language. The members of the militia are Sudanese nomads who speak Arabic and are from Arab descent. However not all Arabs communities participate in the conflict in the Darfur. Allegedly there are also communities of “Black Arabs”, the Dorok who refused to participate in the conflict and are therefore being attacked by the Janjaweed and other government-allied militia. Furthermore, it is alleged that they are serious attempt by Sudanese Arabs to chase all Black Sudanese from Darfur. On 30 November 2004, as they were collecting fire wood outside the camp in a place called Momo, 2km north of Deraij IDP camp, a group of Massalit was attacked by armed militias, stripped, and beaten with guns on their chests and heads, after having been asked about their tribal origins. Upon answering that they were Massalit, the militia told them that they did not like Massalit women. Half of the group were kidnapped and raped before being abandoned. The other half escaped and returned to the camp. They were all seriously injured, including one of whom was pregnant. The attack was reported to the police forces in Nyala. The Special Rapporteurs have received information concerning another incident, involving eight women and girls from the same camp: on 2 December 2004, as they were collecting fire wood north of the camp in Torkong, they were attacked by armed militias. They were beaten and three persons were raped. They received medical treatment at the Medical Centre, Nyala. The Centre’s lawyer, at their request, reported the incident to the police authorities at the Nyala Central (Wasat) police station, however, t