(Adnkronos) – Twenty years after Darfur captured global attention due to the violence that devastated communities and displaced millions in Sudan, the region’s children are once again trapped in a catastrophic crisis, but with less international attention and aid. This was warned by Unicef in a new Child Alert published today. The report, “Darfur: 20 Years On, Children Under Threat,” highlights how the ongoing conflict in Sudan has reignited large-scale violence, mass displacement, acute hunger, and severe violations against children across Darfur. As in 2005, homes have been burned, markets attacked, schools and health facilities damaged or destroyed, and families forced to flee – but today the scale of needs is greater and global outrage is much more subdued.
Since the start 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 over 4,300 killed or maimed. The trend is worsening. In the first three months of 2026 alone, according to reports, at least 160 children were killed and 85 injured, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
Children are facing an alarming escalation of extreme violence. Nowhere has the impact been more severe than in Al Fasher. Since April 2024, more than 1,500 grave violations against children attributed to parties to the conflict have been verified in Al Fasher, including the killing and maiming of over 1,300 children, many caused by explosive weapons and drones, as well as sexual violence, abductions, recruitment, and use by armed groups. Yet, these heartbreaking figures almost certainly underestimate the true extent of the abuses, with similar situations in other parts of the country.
Across Darfur, children are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Many have lost access to education and healthcare, while a growing number face severe malnutrition, disease, and violence perpetrated by armed forces or groups. Millions of children have been uprooted, with significant displacements also across borders, particularly in eastern Chad, where services, already at their capacity limits, struggle to cope with new arrivals.
The ‘Child Alert’ highlights clear parallels between the current situation and the first ‘Child Alert’ on Darfur published by Unicef in 2005, when global outrage sparked the humanitarian response. Twenty years later, children’s needs have increased in scope and complexity, but funding shortages, access restrictions, evolving forms of conflict, and limited international attention are severely limiting the reach of life-saving aid. ”Twenty years ago, the world united in outrage over the suffering of children in Darfur. Today, a new generation of children is experiencing horrific violence, hunger, and terror,” said Catherine Russell, Unicef Executive Director. ”We cannot allow history to repeat itself. Children in Darfur need protection and continuous humanitarian access. The parties to the conflict must end this brutal war,” she added.
In Al Fasher and other locations in northern Darfur, prolonged conflict and sieges have left families without food, safe water, and healthcare, forcing many to flee to already overcrowded areas. Across Darfur, the conflict has damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure, accelerating the spread of famine, hunger, and disease in some areas due to the collapse of livelihoods.
Despite extraordinary challenges, Unicef and its partners continue to provide life-saving assistance across Darfur and in neighboring countries, ensuring education, safe water, and sanitation services, treating children affected by severe acute malnutrition, supporting mobile health services, offering psychosocial support, and creating safe spaces for children.
However, the ‘Child Alert’ report warns that humanitarian efforts continue to be severely hampered by insecurity, bureaucratic obstacles, and funding shortages, leaving many children without assistance precisely when they are most at risk.
Unicef calls on parties to the conflict to respect international law and protect civilians, including children; to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access; and to end and prevent grave violations against children. The organization also urges donors to provide flexible, multi-year funding to support life-saving programs and help children affected by cross-border displacement.
