At least 23 children have reportedly died and 25 others have suffered injuries in Sudan’s North Kordofan State after fighting intensified around Al Obeid since late May.
The latest attack happened on Friday, 24 July, in the Burbur area south of Al Obeid.
Reports say at least four children, two boys and two girls aged between eight and 16, lost their lives.
The latest deaths pushed the number of children killed or injured in July to at least eight. Earlier reports showed that at least 10 children were killed or injured in May, while at least 30 children suffered the same fate in June. The youngest victim was only two months old.
UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, said the conflict continues to expose children and their families to extreme danger.
“Four more children have lost their lives in a conflict that continues to put children and their families in grave danger,” Yett said.
He said every child killed represents a family whose future has changed forever. He added that children remain among the biggest victims of the conflict and urged all parties to protect their safety, rights and access to essential services.
UNICEF said children across Sudan have carried a heavy burden during more than three years of conflict. The agency reported that at least 330 children were killed or injured across the country during the first six months of the year.
UNICEF warned that ongoing violence, repeated displacement and damage to civilian facilities continue to threaten children’s lives, health and future.
It called on all parties to protect civilians, especially children, and to respect international humanitarian law.
The agency urged warring groups to protect schools, hospitals, water systems and other critical services that children and families rely on.
External Links
UNICEF Sudan: https://www.unicef.org/sudan
United Nations News on Sudan: https://news.un.org/en/tags/sudan
ReliefWeb Sudan Updates: https://reliefweb.int/country/sdn
