(Adnkronos) – “I am deeply alarmed by the escalating violence against children and families in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state. Reports of mass killings, widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods are appalling. In the past week alone, at least 124 people have reportedly been killed in Al Jazirah – including at least 10 children, some as young as ten – while at least 43 children have been injured.” This was stated in a statement by Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“We have also received devastating reports,” Russell continues, “that many girls, even as young as 13, have been subjected to rape and sexual assault, and that children have been detained. More than 9,000 families, including over 45,000 people, have been forced to flee their homes in Tamboul and surrounding villages between 20 and 27 October 2024. This violence is part of a vast man-made humanitarian catastrophe that has already killed and injured thousands of children, displaced more than 11 million people and left millions more in dire straits. Sudan is now the site of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis, a crisis that is having a growing impact on the entire region.”
“Unicef calls for an immediate end to the violence,” the Executive Director continues. “The parties to the conflict must stop deliberately targeting civilians and put an end to grave violations against children. They must also immediately release the children who have been detained. We further call on the parties to respect international humanitarian law, to protect civilians and civilian buildings and to allow safe and unhindered access to humanitarian workers. Right now, administrative barriers imposed by the parties to the conflict, as well as the security situation, are jeopardizing the delivery of life-saving assistance that these children and families desperately need. The world cannot stand by as the children of Sudan face unspeakable horrors. We must act now to safeguard their future and uphold their right to safety and peace.”
