The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, has strongly condemned the deadly attacks in North Kordofan, Sudan, which reportedly left over 450 civilians dead over the weekend. Media reports indicate that this includes at least 24 boys, 11 girls and two pregnant women, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
Russell described the attacks as “a scandal” expressing grave concern that the child casualty figure may rise further, given numerous injuries and ongoing reports of missing persons.
The incidents represent a disturbing escalation of violence and signify “a complete disregard for human lives, international humanitarian law and the most basic principles of humanity” Russell stated. She emphasized that civilians, particularly children, should never be targeted in attacks. She called for independent investigations into all suspected violations and accountability for those responsible, rejecting impunity for breaches of international law, especially when the lives of children are at risk.
Russell asserted that violence against children is unforgivable and must be halted immediately. “No child should ever experience such horrors” she added.
Sudan has been embroiled in conflict for two years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and leaving at least 13 million people displaced, according to UN estimates. The situation in North Kordofan has significantly deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to increased displacement, civilian casualties and restricted access for humanitarian aid.