UN report: Rising violence against children in Sudan requires urgent protection measures
The Children and Armed Conflict in Sudan report, released on Tuesday, recorded 2,168 serious violations against 1,913 children in 2022 and 2023 — a significant increase from the previous reporting period.
The most common violations included killing and wounding (1,525 cases), recruitment and use of children in combat (277 cases) and sexual violence (153 cases). In addition, 33 children were abducted, 118 schools and hospitals were attacked and there were 62 cases of denial of humanitarian access to children in need.
The situation worsened significantly after clashes broke out between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April.
utter horror
Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, expressed horror at the violence.
“I am appalled by the level of violence affecting children, the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, and the lack of effective efforts by parties to the conflict to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to suffering populations, including children,” she said.
“I call on all parties to immediately commit to a lasting end to hostilities. The future of children in Sudan depends on it.”
catastrophic crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic proportions, with 14 million children in dire need of aid and protection.
Famine and the threat of famine loom as humanitarian efforts face significant obstacles.
In addition, the report said, some 19 million children are out of school and many lack access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, electricity, education and health care.
Progress has been undone
The report also notes that the termination of the United Nations Integrated Transitional Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and the departure of dedicated child protection staff have exacerbated the crisis, reducing the ability to monitor and report on serious violations against children.
This loss also hinders cooperation between parties to the conflict and efforts to effectively address child protection needs.
Prior to the escalation in April 2023, some progress had been made, notably through the 2021 roadmap leading to the development of a national framework for the release and reintegration of children.
Despite the challenges and ongoing hostilities, the United Nations maintained cooperation with all warring parties.
