Feel It: “No War on Children”

By: Haffiya Elyas

In an era where the sounds of war intertwine with the cries of childhood, conflict-related sexual violence stands out as one of the most horrific crimes—leaving behind not only physical wounds but also deep scars that can destroy the future of entire generations. The statement issued by the Federal Unit for Combating Violence Against Women and Children confronts us with a painful truth: children are not merely collateral victims of conflict, but direct targets of systematic violations that strip them of safety, dignity, and humanity.

The figures cited are far more than statistics; they represent unfinished childhoods. A total of 1,866 children have been subjected to various forms of sexual violence, alongside 394 documented reports across different regions of the country. Behind each number lies fear, broken families, and communities struggling to hold themselves together amid loss and devastation. These realities reflect a national and humanitarian crisis that extends far beyond individual suffering.

What makes these crimes even more disturbing is their deliberate use as a tactic of war—aimed at dismantling social structures and weakening communities from within. When a child’s body becomes a battlefield, the message sent is not limited to individual pain; it becomes a collective threat to the very concept of safety. In such circumstances, silence or complacency risks becoming complicity.

The proposed response framework outlined in the statement—protection, accountability, and prevention—captures the right direction. Yet these pillars require more than declarations; they demand strong political will, functional institutions, and effective protection systems capable of reaching children in the most fragile and dangerous environments.

Equally important is the emphasis on comprehensive support for survivors. This is not a humanitarian luxury—it is a necessity for rebuilding shattered lives.

The psychological and social consequences of such violence can last for years if not addressed through specialized, respectful, and sustained care that restores dignity and a sense of security.

Protecting children in times of conflict is not merely an ethical choice; it is a legal and moral obligation shared by all. Societies that fail to safeguard their children during war are left with futures marked by deep and lasting wounds, long after the guns fall silent.

Ultimately, the hope lies in transforming such statements from seasonal appeals into concrete, sustained policies—ensuring that every child, in Sudan and beyond, is protected by law, upheld by justice, and shielded from the horrors of conflict.