Universities forum raises alarm over rising sexual violence

A forum for higher education institutions in the Amhara Regional State in Ethiopia reported that more than 5,000 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence have sought clinical care in the year leading up to September 2024, writes Sisay Sahlu for The Reporter.

The Higher Education Forum emphasises that this number represents only a fraction of the total incidents in the region, which has been in the grips of a conflict between armed groups and federal security forces since August 2023.

The forum has also introduced a comprehensive health sector humanitarian response strategy. A document obtained by The Reporter indicates the conflict has resulted in over 15,000 casualties, including civilian deaths, physical injuries, sexual and gender-based violence, and mental health and psychosocial challenges.
Full report on The Reporter site