Sudan’s Children Suffer as Violence Surges
A new United Nations report has revealed a staggering surge in violence against children in Sudan, with 2,168 grave violations documented in 2022 and 2023. The report highlights the urgent need for protection measures to safeguard the lives of Sudan’s most vulnerable population.
The report, released on Tuesday, documented a significant increase in violence against children, with 1,913 children affected. The most prevalent violations included killing and maiming, recruitment and use of children in combat, and sexual violence. In addition, 33 children were abducted, 118 schools and hospitals attacked, and there were 62 incidents of denial of humanitarian access to children in need.
The situation worsened dramatically following the outbreak of hostilities between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, expressed her horror at the violence, urging all parties to commit to a durable cessation of hostilities.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, with 14 million children in dire need of aid and protection. Starvation and an imminent risk of famine loom large as humanitarian efforts face significant obstructions. About 19 million children are out of school, and many lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, electricity, education, and healthcare.
The report also noted that the termination of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and the departure of its dedicated child protection staff have exacerbated the crisis, reducing the capacity to monitor and report on grave violations against children. Despite the challenges, the United Nations has maintained its engagement with all warring parties.
The situation in Sudan is dire, and immediate action is needed to protect the lives of its children. The international community must come together to support the UN’s efforts to address this crisis and ensure that the rights of Sudan’s children are respected and protected.
