UNICEF, child rights groups call to protect children in war-torn Sudan

April 27, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – As violent clashes continue in Sudan, child-focused NGOs World Vision, Save the Children, and UNICEF are urgently calling for action to protect vulnerable children.

In a statement released on Thursday, the UN agency and international groups for child rights said that the ongoing hostilities in Sudan have already resulted in the deaths of at least nine children, with over 50 more injured.

Also, displacement and exposure to grave violations, including recruitment by armed groups and sexual violence, have put millions of children at risk.

The violence has also severely impacted healthcare, with one-third of Sudan’s healthcare facilities no longer functioning, depriving children and their families of essential medical care.

The cold chain, which keeps vaccines viable, has been affected by cuts in power and fuel, putting millions of under-vaccinated or zero-dose children at risk of deadly diseases.

Children in Sudan already face acute humanitarian needs, with over 8.5 million children requiring assistance. The crisis has disrupted treatment for an estimated 50,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition, and school closures have left millions of children unable to learn.

In light of this difficult situation, World Vision, Save the Children, and UNICEF are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of humanitarian support.

“The three organisations are deeply concerned about the impact of prolonged conflict on children and urgently call upon all parties to the conflict and the international community to do more to protect children in Sudan,” said the statement.

All parties to the conflict must ensure the safety of humanitarians and allow them to reach children and their families with urgent health, nutrition, protection, and education services. Schools must be reopened as safe spaces for children, and all parties must protect children and prevent their recruitment and use in the conflict.

The three organizations are deeply concerned about the long-lasting impact of the conflict on children and call upon the international community to do more to protect them. The fighting must stop so that vulnerable children can receive the care and assistance they need, they stressed