In a startling revelation, over 300 children have become casualties, either killed or injured, in Sudan’s ongoing conflict over the past half-year. According to UNICEF, most were victims of drone strikes.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been ensnared in a brutal battle between its military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The focus of the war has shifted to the Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile states, with drone warfare responsible for 60% of the deaths and injuries, as reported by UNICEF.
The international community, including the U.N., U.S., and U.K., has sounded alarms over potential atrocities. Both factions in Sudan are locked in a fierce bid for control of el-Obeid, North Kordofan’s strategic city.
In response, the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council, meeting in Geneva, endorsed a measure on Monday led by five European nations. This resolution denounces the increasing violence by the RSF and their allies near el-Obeid. Adopted without opposition, the measure also urges more assistance for nations housing Sudanese refugees and denounces “all forms of external interference” in the conflict.
The ongoing war has claimed at least 59,000 lives, uprooted roughly 13 million individuals, and pushed vast regions of Sudan to the brink of famine. Humanitarian assistance is now vital for more than 30 million people.
Drone attacks and shelling have devastated civilian infrastructure, including schools, markets, and essential fuel and water stations, putting the lives of over 500,000 at risk. Civilians are trapped in almost siege-like situations persisting for over a year.
“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement, and deprivation,” stated Sheldon Yett, the UNICEF Representative for Sudan.
The U.N. has urged all parties to shield civilians and their infrastructure and to enable safe, swift, and unhindered humanitarian access. They emphasize all feasible steps should be taken to protect children from harm.
