More than 20 women and girls raped at Kassab camp

Hiba Abbaker Mohammed, President of the Federation of Women at the Kassab camp, North Darfur, revealed to Radio Dabanga that pro-government militia raped more than 20 women and girls at the camp during three days of attacks in the beginning of August. She added some of the girls are not yet married. Mohammed’s complete interview to Radio Dabanga will be aired on Thursday, 23 August. During the interview, Mohammed said the militia had besieged the Kassab camp for three days in the beginning of August and that dozens of camp residents are missing. She added the pro-government militia raped, murdered, beat, tortured and insulted several people in public. Mohammed explained such violence caused severe health and psychological effects especially among children and young people. The Federation of Women’s President demands that an international investigation about the violations is carried out. An 80-year old woman living in Kassab camp was also interviewed by Radio Dabanga. She affirmed that this is the worst Eid al-Fitr of her life and that due to the series of violent events at the camp the celebration lost its meaning. The woman said a relative of hers died and another five are missing. She stated, however, that the pain of losing a relative is not comparable to seeing close friends being raped in public in front of her own eyes. She said she would rather die than seeing those girls and women being raped. The lady appealed to Radio Dabanga that people, international humanitarian organizations and the UN immediately intervene, protect and aid the Kassab camp. She added that food, medicines, psychological treatment, clothing, blankets, tarps and tents are lacking at the camp.Related content: Three homes looted in Kassab camp, N Darfur (21 August 2012)