Sudan: 435 children killed, 2,000 injured in 100 days – UNICEF
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that during 100 days of fighting in Sudan, at least 435 children were killed, and more than 2,000 others were injured. The figure is based on credible reports, but UNICEF believes the true number could be higher.
In addition to the casualties, there have been more than 2,500 severe violations of children’s rights in Sudan, with an average of more than one violation per hour. The conflict is taking a horrific toll on children and families in the country, where 14 million youngsters are in need of aid relief.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, also reported that nearly 300 displaced children have died from malnutrition and disease in White Nile State. Conditions for those seeking shelter in neighboring countries are harrowing, with overcrowded displacement camps and challenges in delivering aid during the rainy season.
Over 3.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan and across its borders, including Egypt, where most children arrive without their parents.
Despite diplomatic efforts to end the fighting involving the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia, clashes have continued across multiple fronts.
The UN response inside Sudan is only 23% funded, and both UNHCR and UNICEF have urgently appealed for more donor support to assist vulnerable populations enduring three months of fighting in different regions of the country.
Healthcare in Sudan is facing a grave crisis, with over 67% of the country’s hospitals out of service and attacks on facilities and personnel increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 51 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries.
Due to the disruption of basic public health services, diseases like malaria, measles, dengue, and acute diarrhea are increasing, and outbreaks are likely to claim more lives as the rainy season begins in Sudan. Urgent action is required to curtail their spread and provide life-saving services to vulnerable civilians.
