Orphaned girls in Sudan are enduring tragic humanitarian and social conditions, with the situation worsening as the war approaches its fourth year. This group suffers from a loss of safety, deteriorating mental and physical health, necessitating comprehensive support to ensure them a dignified life and a promising future.
The "House for Orphaned Girls" in Omdurman is one of the institutions dedicated to caring for these girls, currently hosting 20 girls under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Khartoum State. The house aims to provide a safe environment and psychological and social support, in addition to vocational training to reintegrate them into society.
Event Details
The house faces significant challenges, suffering from a severe shortage of resources, which hampers its ability to provide necessary care. The girls in the house urgently need medical care, as well as basic necessities such as beds and mattresses. At the same time, the number of orphaned girls in Sudan is estimated to be in the thousands, with these numbers increasing significantly since the outbreak of war between the army and the "Rapid Support Forces" in April 2023.
Myada, an 18-year-old, shares her story in the house, having experienced begging in her childhood. She states that she was not given the opportunity for education but began training in handicrafts before the war, hoping to improve her life. The house supervisor, Hanadi Omar, confirms that the house continues its work despite economic challenges, as its workers receive low salaries that are insufficient to cover basic needs.
Background & Context
Before the war, orphaned girls were already facing difficult circumstances, but the situation has now worsened as they are displaced and refugees across the country. Many of them are subjected to exploitation, working in markets or begging for a living. These harsh conditions place them in situations that expose them to numerous risks, including sexual exploitation and violence.
Authorities sometimes attempt to evacuate girls to shelters, but many return to the streets due to a lack of basic necessities in these shelters. The State Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Salima Ishaq, has proposed a system of "foster families" as an alternative to sheltering girls in social houses, which may help better integrate them into society.
Impact & Consequences
The current crisis requires an urgent response from the government and civil society to ensure the rights and protection of girls. Social researcher Randa Hussein emphasizes the importance of providing educational and vocational training opportunities, enabling girls to secure sustainable income sources. Additionally, opening adoption to qualified families could contribute to improving their living conditions.
Orphaned girls face legal and social challenges, necessitating state intervention to provide the necessary care. Failure to address this crisis may lead to worsening humanitarian conditions and an increase in the number of at-risk girls.
Regional Significance
The crisis of orphaned girls in Sudan exemplifies the humanitarian challenges faced by many Arab countries amid armed conflicts. Providing support and care for this vulnerable group should be a priority, not only in Sudan but in all countries suffering from conflicts.
In conclusion, addressing the conditions of orphaned girls requires the concerted efforts of both the international and local communities to ensure their rights and provide a safe and stable environment for them.