Alarm at sex abuse

KHARTOUM: A United Nations envoy has expressed shock at the prevalence of sexual violence in Sudan, where the government and religious leaders are complicit.

Pramila Patten, Special representative of the UN SecretaryGeneral on Sexual Violence in Conflict, expressed outrage at the culture of denial which enhanced the culture of silence about sexual violence. Speaking in New York after her just-concluded visit, she blamed senior government officials, legislators and civil society for the trend most widespread in the Darfur region. Victims were shamed or stigmatised, she said. – CAJ News