Khartoum, July 06 (Darfur24)
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday that at least 330 children were killed or injured across Sudan during the first six months of 2026, with the highest number of casualties recorded in Darfur and Kordofan.
In a statement, UNICEF said the situation in and around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, is particularly alarming amid escalating attacks and growing humanitarian concerns.
The agency said at least 18 children have been killed and more than 17 injured in North Kordofan since May, adding that drone strikes accounted for about 60% of the casualties.
UNICEF said repeated drone strikes and shelling have damaged homes, schools, health facilities, water networks and markets, disrupted supply routes and placed essential services under increasing strain.
The organization warned that any further escalation could expose even more children to death, injury, displacement and other grave protection risks, noting that around 500,000 civilians remain at risk in El Obeid and across North Kordofan.
International concern has grown in recent weeks over the possibility of a humanitarian catastrophe in El Obeid as drone attacks continue and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) mass troops around the city.
UNICEF said the persistent threat of attacks has intensified fear, anxiety and psychological trauma among children, particularly in communities repeatedly affected by bombardment and displacement.
“The danger is not limited to injury and death,” the agency said. “It also includes recruitment and use of children in hostilities, abduction, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals.”
UNICEF called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to safeguard children.
“Children are trapped in an endless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation,” UNICEF Representative in Sudan Sheldon Yett said.
“They are being killed and injured in their homes, on the roads, in markets, and while trying to access basic services such as education and health care. Children should never be a target, and their lives, rights, and future must be protected.”