UNICEF: An Entire Generation of Darfur’s Children Under the Scourge of Violence and Hunger
Khartoum – Sudanhorizon
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has drawn a shocking comparison between the situation of children in the Darfur region during the 2005 conflict and the current situation in 2025, warning of a tragic repetition of history in areas under the control of the Rapid Support Forces militia. A new generation is facing horrors exceeding those witnessed in the region two decades ago.
In a recent report published on Tuesday, the organization confirmed the documentation of more than 1,500 grave violations against children in the city of El Fasher alone since April 2024. These violations, attributed to parties to the conflict, include the killing and maiming of 1,300 children using explosive weapons and drones, in addition to crimes of sexual violence, abduction, and forced recruitment.
The organization suggested that these figures are likely far lower than the actual scale of violations occurring across Sudan.
The report also noted that since the outbreak of the war, the United Nations has verified more than 5,700 grave violations committed by parties to the conflict against children across Sudan, affecting at least 5,100 children, with more than 4,300 children killed or injured.
Data indicated a sharp escalation in violence at the beginning of 2026, with 160 children killed and 85 others injured in just the first three months—a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
The report, titled “Darfur: After 20 Years, Children Under Threat,” explained that the current conflict has reproduced the same bloody scenes seen in 2005, including the burning of homes and the destruction of schools and healthcare facilities. However, it warned that humanitarian needs today have become far greater, amid a noticeable decline in global condemnation of the situation on the ground.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, issued an urgent appeal calling on all parties to the conflict to end this “brutal war,” stressing that the children of Darfur cannot wait any longer for protection and for aid to reach them.
In El Fasher and other areas of North Darfur, the report stated that the ongoing conflict and prolonged siege have cut families off from food, clean water, and healthcare, forcing many to flee to already overcrowded areas.
The conflict has also damaged or destroyed critical infrastructure across Darfur, exacerbating famine, hunger, and disease in areas where livelihoods have collapsed.
UNICEF called on all parties to the conflict to respect international law, protect civilians—including children—ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and end and prevent grave violations against children.
It also urged donors to provide flexible, multi-year funding to support life-saving programs and assist children affected by cross-border displacement.
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