At least 40 children have been killed in three days of indiscriminate bombardments across Sudan, UNICEF reported on Thursday, highlighting the escalating toll of the conflict on the country’s youngest victims.
“About 40 children were killed in just three days across three different areas of Sudan”, said Annmarie Swai, UNICEF’s country representative, describing the deaths as “a reflection of the devastating and growing threats to children”.
“Sadly, it is rare that more than a few short days go past without new reports of children being killed and injured.” – @UNICEFSudan's Annmarie Swai.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) February 5, 2025
The rights of children in Sudan must be respected and protected. The violence must end NOW.
Statement: https://t.co/9FqM8xA9ap pic.twitter.com/VY0UgF0W2K
Monday’s bombardment in Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan state, killed 21 children and maimed 29 others, according to the UN agency.
Additional attacks killed 11 children at a market in El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, while eight more died in a market bombing near Khartoum on Saturday.
The violence stems from the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and the Sudanese Armed Forces under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the country’s de facto leader, which erupted in April 2023.
The UN has documented over 900 “grave violations” against children between June and December 2023, primarily in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah state. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 12 million people.
“Sadly, it is now rare for days to pass without new reports of children being killed or injured”, Swai said, urging warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect children, and implement an immediate ceasefire.
(information from amna.gr)
Read more:
