A surge of violence in Sudan’s North Kordofan State has left more than 450 civilians dead, including at least 35 children and two pregnant women, according to a statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. The attacks, which occurred over the weekend in communities near the city of Bara, targeted villages such as Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid, marking one of the deadliest escalations in the region’s conflict this year. Dozens more were injured, with many still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll among minors could climb further.
Russell described the assaults as an “outrage” and a “terrifying escalation” of hostilities, accusing combatants of flouting international humanitarian law and showing “complete disregard for human life.” UNICEF condemned the killings in unequivocal terms, urging all warring factions to cease violence immediately and adhere to legal obligations that prioritize civilian protection. The agency emphasized the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution—cornerstones of conflict law designed to minimize harm to non-combatants.
The statement highlighted the disproportionate impact on children, with at least 24 boys and 11 girls among the victims. Russell stressed that minors and expectant mothers should never be targeted, calling for independent investigations into alleged violations. “Impunity cannot be tolerated,” she said, underscoring the urgency of holding perpetrators accountable. The agency also extended condolences to bereaved families and others affected by what it termed “heinous violence.”
The attacks add to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where protracted conflict has displaced millions and strained aid efforts. North Kordofan, though less frequently in global headlines than regions like Darfur, has seen sporadic clashes intensify in recent months. Local sources report deteriorating security as armed groups exploit power vacuums, though specific details about the perpetrators remain unclear.
UNICEF’s appeal reflects broader concerns from international bodies about the erosion of wartime protections. Civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, has increasingly come under fire in Sudan’s conflict, disrupting critical services. The agency reiterated that violence against children is “unconscionable,” urging global attention to a crisis that continues to unfold with devastating consequences.
As search efforts continue for the missing, humanitarian groups warn of compounding challenges, including limited access to affected areas and dwindling resources. The latest bloodshed underscores the need for sustained diplomatic pressure to halt hostilities and safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly in regions where violence risks spiraling further out of control.
