A new United Nations report has highlighted a horrifying increase in violence against children due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, underscoring the urgent need for immediate and tangible protective measures.
According to the official UN website on Wednesday, a report on children and armed conflict in Sudan documented 2,168 serious violations against 1,913 children during the years 2022 and 2023, marking a significant rise compared to previous periods.
The most common violations included killing and mutilation (1,525 cases), recruitment and use of children in combat (277 cases), and sexual violence (153 cases). Additionally, 33 children were abducted, 118 schools and hospitals were attacked, and 62 incidents of blocking humanitarian aid to children were reported.
Virginia Gamba, the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, expressed her “horror” at the level of violence. She stated: “I am appalled by the extent of violence affecting children, the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities, and the lack of effective efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid to affected populations, including children.”
The war in Sudan erupted between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. This conflict was fueled by power struggles and disagreements over the transition to civilian governance. The violence has led to widespread instability and destruction. The fighting has caused massive displacement, with approximately 8.5 million people being displaced either internally or as refugees. The conflict has also led to substantial loss of life, with estimates around 15,000 deaths.
The international community has been involved in responding to the crisis, with various humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and support to affected populations. However, access to affected areas has been challenging due to ongoing violence and logistical issues.
