Sudan: Women Detained in Nyala, South Darfur - a Call to Protect Detainees' Rights and Release Those Arbitrarily Detained

What the report says

Darfur Network for Human Rights, in a statement distributed by AllAfrica, said it is deeply concerned about the reported detention of women in Nyala, South Darfur, including activists and women human rights defenders. The group said reports suggest that detention has affected a large number of women since the Rapid Support Forces took control of Nyala and much of Darfur, while it continues to verify the scope, grounds, and current status of those held.

The statement said DNHR has received information indicating that the cumulative number of women detained in Nyala may be about 1,371. It also said some detainees were reportedly pregnant and that some gave birth while in custody, raising concerns about access to healthcare, detention conditions, and compliance with human rights standards. DNHR urged authorities to disclose the identities, whereabouts, and legal status of detainees and to allow families, lawyers, and independent monitors access to detention sites.

DNHR also said RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, reportedly ordered the release of women from one detention facility in Nyala during a visit, and that 196 women were freed and each reportedly received USD 1,000. The organization welcomed any release of arbitrarily detained women but said it does not resolve broader concerns about possible unlawful arrest, ill-treatment, or the fate of others still detained.

The appeal adds to wider concerns in conflict-affected areas of Sudan about the protection of women, especially activists and human rights defenders, and calls on the RSF, de facto authorities, and international actors to investigate alleged violations and safeguard detainees' rights.