An estimated five million children displaced by Sudan's civil war
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant human displacement and loss of life. UNICEF reports that an estimated 10 million people, half of them children, have been displaced due to the civil war that began in April 2023. The conflict…
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant human displacement and loss of life. UNICEF reports that an estimated 10 million people, half of them children, have been displaced due to the civil war that began in April 2023. The conflict erupted from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Impact on Children and Essential Services
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recently visited a boys' school in Kassala State to highlight the urgent needs of children in Sudan. The organization emphasizes that more than 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, with children in besieged regions such as Darfur and Kordofan facing acute vulnerabilities due to limited access to food, water, and medical supplies.
Recent violence, including attacks on December 8 that affected a kindergarten in South Kordofan, resulted in the deaths of at least 63 children. UNICEF reports that women and girls are suffering severe impacts, including high levels of sexual violence.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant human displacement and loss of life.
During her visit, Russell observed UNICEF-supported initiatives offering psychosocial support and skills training for women and adolescent girls. The organization is actively working to aid families, despite the limited availability of similar services in conflict regions like Darfur and Kordofan.
UNICEF's efforts include identifying and registering unaccompanied and separated children, with over 200 reunifications achieved in North Darfur. The organization is also focused on providing child protection, psychological care, training, and financial support for survivors, along with restoring safe water and medical facilities.
UNICEF has urged for an immediate cessation of violence and adherence to international humanitarian law to protect the safety and dignity of children and civilians in Sudan.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
