More than 300 children have been killed or injured in the last six months in the war in Sudan, mostly from drone strikes, the UN children's agency UNICEF said on Monday. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has now concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile states, with drone warfare causing 60% of casualties, according to UNICEF.
Escalating Violence and Atrocity Concerns
The UN, US, UK, and other nations have expressed alarm about potential atrocities as the RSF and the military fight for control of the strategic city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan. In Geneva on Monday, the UN-backed Human Rights Council approved a measure brought by five European countries, condemning the escalating violence by the RSF and its allies in and around el-Obeid. The measure, approved without a vote, also encourages greater support for countries hosting refugees from Sudan and condemns all forms of external interference in the war.
Massive Humanitarian Toll
The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced some 13 million, and pushed many parts of Sudan into famine. Over 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Drone strikes and shelling have targeted civilian infrastructure including schools, markets, fuel and water stations, putting over 500,000 people at risk. Civilians have faced near-siege conditions for over a year.
"Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan.
International Response
The UN called on parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to protect children from harm.
