UNICEF condemns attacks in Sudan that killed 35 children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks in Sudan’s Kordofan region, where at least 24 boys, 11 girls, and two pregnant women were reportedly among the victims.
The violence occurred over the weekend in communities around the city of Bara, including the villages of Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid.
With dozens more injured and many still missing, UNICEF fears that the number of child casualties could rise further.
“These attacks are an outrage,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell in a statement on Tuesday,highlighting that,”They represent a terrifying escalation of violence, and a complete disregard for human life, international humanitarian law, and the most basic principles of humanity.”
The ongoing conflict between former allies turned rivals, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has intensified across the Kordofan region since April 2023.
“UNICEF condemns the attacks in the strongest possible terms,” Russell said, calling on all parties to end the violence immediately and uphold their obligations under international law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
She stressed that civilians, particularly children, must never be targeted, “Impunity cannot be tolerated for violations of international law, especially when children’s lives are at stake.”
Russell also extended UNICEF’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims, asserting,“No child should ever experience such horrors. Violence against children is unconscionable and must end now.”
