UNICEF condemns killing of 12 children in Sudan
Nine children died in a displaced persons camp in West Kordofan and three in Khartoum.
UNICEF has condemned the reported killing of at least 12 children in separate attacks in Sudan’s West Kordofan and Khartoum states. Nine children aged between five and 10 were killed on Saturday, October 17, in an attack on a camp for displaced families east of Sanakit in West Kordofan. Two days later, an armed drone struck a residential area in Khartoum, reportedly killing three children aged between two and six, along with their father.
Angela Kearney, UNICEF’s acting representative in Sudan, stated that neither displacement camps nor residential neighbourhoods are safe for children. She noted that families fleeing to camps or returning to their homes are not protecting their children. Kearney urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law.
The deaths come amid an escalation in drone attacks across Sudan, where the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has forced millions from their homes. UNICEF warned that children continue to face deadly violence after more than three years of conflict.
Why it mattersChildren in Sudan are being killed in attacks on both displacement camps and residential areas.