UN condemns violence against women in Sudan conflict

Over 300 people have died in the Sudan conflict and more than 3,200 others injured. [AP]

The United Nations Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, has condemned the violence against women and girls in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Bahous, in a statement on Friday, April 21, expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence, as the fighting in Sudan takes a turn for the worst.

"Reports of sexual and gender-based violence are already surfacing. We fear that they will only grow more frequent. UN Women calls on all parties to ensure that no woman or girl is affected by these crimes," she said.

The Executive Director further noted that the conflict puts the lives of Sudanese women at risk, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"There must be no impunity and every instance of sexual and gender-based violence be investigated and prosecuted without exception," said Bahous.

On Saturday, the Sudanese army said it was coordinating efforts to have diplomats and foreign nationals evacuated from the conflict-hit capital, Khartoum.

Sudan's main international airport has been closed since the onset of the fighting between the Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary group.

Over 300 people have died in the conflict and more than 3,200 others injured.