Shaming the Enemy? The Use of Gender Based Violence as a Weapon in Darfur Conflict

Since the eruption of the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan, systematic physical and sexual violence against women is being used as a weapon. This heinous act has proven to be a very destructive weapon in the conflict, as it has been very effective in terrorizing people, demoralizing them and breaking their will. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has devastating effects on the lives of the victims, as they suffer lifelong stigma and discrimination leading to their rejection by their communities. This paper describes the problem and the factors contributing to its escalation and the health, social-cultural and psychological impacts of GBV on the victims. It also discusses possible measurements that can be carried out by different concerned parties to stop all human rights violations especially GBV.