Genocide in Darfur

Background

The genocidal war in western Sudan's Darfur region has raged for five years. Over 300,000 Darfurians have been killed, and the Sudanese military and the Janjaweed militia have forced over 2.5 million to flee their villages. The United Nations estimates that there are now 4 million people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and protection, and over 2 million living in camps in Darfur, 80 percent of whom are women and children.

Although all civilians are in need of protection, this war has particularly targeted women and girls. They face armed attacks each time that they leave their camps to find firewood, food, or work The Janjaweed and Sudanese security forces have used rape and sexual violence as a deliberate strategy of war — women are attacked as a way to shame and destroy families and communities. The violence and subsequent displacement weaken women's support networks and their access to livelihoods, even as many more of them are now heads of household, making it all the more difficult for them to survive.

» Read more about the background and ongoing impacts
» Read an update on recent attacks in Sudan

UUSC's approach

UUSC has been addressing the Darfur crisis since 2004. While UUSC supports a viable peace process to end the conflict in Darfur, we must also act now to stop the terrible violence that women and girls suffer as part of daily life. Our program seeks to weave a web of protection for women and girls in Darfur. Practical, straightforward measures can make a real difference. UUSC is working to improve women's livelihoods and leadership skills, as well as providing human-rights training, coordinating among humanitarian aid agencies in Darfur, and improving security for women living in camps.

» Read more about UUSC's approach and ongoing work

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