Sudan: Sudan's Women Pay the Price As Weapons Keep Flowing - - Why an Arms Embargo Is Crucial to Protecting Them

A US proposal to extend the existing arms embargo from Darfur to cover all of Sudan is being discussed in the UN Security Council. Supporters, including Denmark, Britain, and France, argue the move is crucial for protecting women's rights. Critics, such as China, Russia, and Sudan's representative, oppose it.

Nemat Koko, a political and human rights activist, asserts that the flood of weapons fuels the ongoing conflict, particularly increasing the risk of sexual and gender-based violence against women. She maintains that the proliferation of weapons, absence of security, and a lack of protection institutions heighten women's fear and limit their freedom of movement, access to basic services, and ability to protect their families.

Koko contends that the arms embargo is not merely a security issue, but a rights issue directly impacting women's lives. She stresses the need for women to take an active role in monitoring the embargo's implementation and promoting justice. Moreover, Koko urges women to resist violence, safeguard communities, and call for accountability in the pursuit of peace.

In contrast, journalist Madiha Abdullah argues that women should be at the forefront of demanding an end to the war, rather than becoming involved in military preparations. She stresses the necessity of rebuilding military and security institutions based on civilian rights and protection, rather than relying on traditional security methods. Abdullah also advocates for civilian arms control to reduce the risk of violence in everyday life, especially for women who are already among the most vulnerable groups during wartime.