Attack on hospital in Al Fasher a shocking violation: UN official

January 26, 2025(PORT SUDAN) – The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami has expressed concerns over the recent attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan.

The incident, which occurred on 24 January, reportedly claimed the lives of at least 70 patients receiving critical care and their relatives while dozens were also wounded.

“I send condolences to all the affected families and express the solidarity of the humanitarian community in Sudan with them and all the people affected by the ongoing conflict”, Nkweta-Salami said in a statement.

She said the attack, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the only functional hospital in Al Fasher, is a shocking violation of international humanitarian law.

“I condemn it in the strongest terms”, she said, adding that “disregard for human life is unacceptable.”

Nkweta-Salami emphasized that hospitals and medical facilities should not be targeted being sanctuaries of life, healing and hope, and their destruction is an affront to our shared humanity.

She further stressed that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure needs to cease immediately and that those responsible or the attack on the hospital be held accountable.

“Civilians are not combatants and must always be protected”, noted Nkweta-Salami.

She added, “I urge all sides to this conflict to adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights laws. I remind them that the protection of civilians, innocent children, women and men caught up in the conflict is a fundamental obligation.”

The UN official renewed calls for an immediate cease-fire and a peaceful resolution to this crisis.

(ST)