The widespread use of rape of women and girls as young as eight in Darfur has been a horrific reality since the violence there began in 2003. Systematic rape, used to terrorize and humiliate both the victims and their families, is a crime against humanity. Currently, women and girls are being raped when they leave the relative security of the camps for refugees and the internally displaced to gather firewood and water, vital commodities. The vast majority of these crimes are being perpetrated by the Janjaweed militias who carry out attacks with the support of and in concert with the Government of Sudan (GOS).

The African Union (AMIS) soldiers deployed in Darfur provided armed patrols to these women and girls leaving the camps, but funding cuts forced the discontinuation of most of these patrols this past summer. Therefore, these women and girls, who take such great risks because their husbands and fathers would be killed if they ventured outside, continue to be assaulted and raped at alarming rates by Janjaweed militias.

Contrary to declarations by the GOS that it is dealing with the situation, there is TOTAL impunity: to date, not a single rape of a displaced Darfurian has been successfully prosecuted. Yet, women have protested in camps and many women are coming forward to tell their stories and want to face their perpetrators in court. Under Sudanese law, the successful prosecution of rape is nearly impossible – a woman must produce four male or eight female witnesses to the crime and then she risks being accused of adultery – a process which doubly victimizes the survivors.

The International Criminal Court, which has been tasked by the United Nations to investigate and eventually try war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, must seek justice for these victims of rape and sexual assault. However, it is not enough to ensure justice: we must also act now to end the systematic use of rape.

Write to the President and tell him to ensure that civilians in Darfur are protected.