United Nations: Rhino – UNICEF has stressed the need to end the ongoing violence against children in Sudan and put an end to the disregard for their safety and rights. It referred to reports that at least 13 children, aged between 6 and 17, were killed and 4 others injured in air strikes in the Kuma area of North Darfur state on Friday.
Sheldon Yat, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative in Sudan, said: “These attacks on children are unacceptable. “Children play no role in wars or civil conflicts, but they are the ones who suffer the most as the conflict in Sudan continues. He stressed the need for children to be safe everywhere, in their homes, neighborhoods and on the streets.
Since Friday’s attack, UNICEF has received further reports of civilians killed and injured in attacks earlier in the day in Mellit, North Darfur. More than 150 schools and hospitals have been attacked since the start of the conflict, the organization said in a press release. Health centers, water points and markets have also been damaged and destroyed. Last year saw the highest number of grave violations against children in Sudan in more than a decade.
Yat said: “As the conflict continues unabated, we fear this horrific pattern will continue. “Thousands of children and families are trapped in areas affected by violence, insecurity and lack of protection. He emphasized that the ongoing violence and disregard for children’s safety and rights must stop.
The UN agency once again reiterated the call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of children.