Amid a devastating civil war in Sudan leading to mass displacement, women like Layla and Salma recount harrowing stories of abuse and trafficking in Libya, where false promises of safety have turned into nightmares.
"Despair in Libya: Sudanese Women Suffer Unimaginable Abuse Amid Conflict"
"Despair in Libya: Sudanese Women Suffer Unimaginable Abuse Amid Conflict"
Women fleeing violence in Sudan face dire realities in Libya, enduring sexual violence and exploitation by traffickers.
As the conflict in Sudan intensifies, millions are fleeing in search of refuge, only to find themselves trapped in a different hell in Libya. The UN estimates that over 210,000 Sudanese refugees have become victims of human trafficking and violence. Women, in particular, are among the most vulnerable, as they navigate a treacherous path filled with abuse and exploitation.
Layla, a mother of six, fled Sudan with her family, hoping for a better life. They paid traffickers to reach Libya, only to be held hostage, beaten, and extorted for more money. "We have barely any food," she explains, revealing the brutal reality they face daily. With no resources to return home or escape, her family's situation continues to deteriorate.
Another survivor, Salma, recounts her horrifying experiences in Libya's trafficker-run warehouses, where her family was subjected to extreme violence. Separated from her husband, she endured repeated sexual assaults, leading to her pregnancy. Eventually abandoned and left to fend for herself and her children, she has struggled to survive, scavenging for food and relying on contaminated water.
Jamila's daughters also faced horrific abuse, suffering repeated rapes that left them traumatized. Even when seeking help from authorities, protections are nearly non-existent for refugees. Instead, they face neglect and hostility, highlighting a system that fails to offer refuge and security.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Libya has drawn international attention, with reports of systemic abuse in both trafficking rings and detention centers. Organisations like Amnesty International and Médecins Sans Frontières continue to document grievous human rights violations, while Libyan authorities remain largely unaccountable.
As the war in Sudan shows no sign of abating, the struggle for dignity and survival for Sudanese women in Libya remains dire, pressing the need for urgent international intervention to address atrocities and protect the most vulnerable.
