UNICEF warns Sudan violence escalating, children killed in displacement camps

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell issued a stark warning Tuesday that escalating violence in Sudan is placing children at growing risk, citing a pattern of attacks on displacement camps and civilian sites across conflict-hit regions. "Desperate families in Sudan seek shelter in displacement camps after fleeing hunger and violence. Their protection is an obligation," Russell stated.

Kordofan Attacks Mirror Darfur

According to Russell, UNICEF is observing "the same disturbing patterns from Darfur" replicated across Kordofan, with children "killed, injured, displaced" and cut off from essential services amid intensifying fighting. The warning followed a reported drone strike Monday on a West Kordofan displacement camp that killed 15 children and wounded 10 others, underscoring civilian vulnerability.

Recent Casualties and Perpetrators

UN human rights office data indicates at least 57 civilians, including 15 children, were killed between Feb. 15-16 across four Sudanese states. On Feb. 15, an alleged Sudanese Armed Forces drone strike hit Al Safiya market in North Kordofan, reportedly killing 28 civilians and injuring 13. The following day, another alleged SAF drone struck an internally displaced shelter in West Kordofan, killing 26 civilians including 15 children. Separately, Rapid Support Forces drones reportedly struck two primary schools in South Kordofan and Al-Mazmoun Hospital in Sennar State.

UNICEF Demands

"UNICEF calls on the Government of Sudan and all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, especially children, to stop attacks on civilian infrastructure, including displacement sites, and to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access," the agency said. Clashes have intensified since last October between the SAF and RSF across Darfur and Kordofan, following the April 2023 collapse of civilian transition. On Oct. 26, RSF forces overran North Darfur's capital El Fasher after a 500-day siege, triggering mass displacement.