Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Delivered by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of at least 60 people, including children and health workers, in a drone strike hitting the El-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur State on 20 March.

Since April 2023, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks harming health facilities in Sudan, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths. The Secretary-General demands that all parties abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, which specifically protects medical personnel and facilities and prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects.

The Secretary-General calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate the fighting and agree on a cessation of hostilities.

He renews his appeal to the parties to work with mediators, including his Personal Envoy for Sudan, to return to the negotiating table to pursue a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process.

The United Nations stands ready to support genuine steps to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path towards a durable peace.

Statements on 24 March 2026
Secretary-General’s message to the Conscience and Liberty 2026 Conference