Conflict in Sudan: UNICEF Condemns Attacks That Claimed the Lives of 35 Children

UNICEF has strongly denounced the recent deadly attacks in Sudan that claimed the lives of at least 35 children—24 boys and 11 girls—and two pregnant women. The violence occurred over the weekend in communities surrounding the city of Bara, including the villages of Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid. With dozens more children injured and many still missing, UNICEF fears the death toll could rise.

In a statement issued Tuesday, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the attacks as “a terrifying escalation of violence” and “a complete disregard for human life, international humanitarian law, and the most basic principles of humanity.” She called the events an “outrage” and reiterated that children must never be targeted in conflict.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly intensifying in the Kordofan region. Russell urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.

UNICEF stressed that those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable and that impunity for violations involving children cannot be tolerated. “No child should ever experience such horrors,” Russell said. “Violence against children is unconscionable and must end now.”