Port Sudan, July 16(Darfur24)
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the recent killings in Sudan’s North Kordofan State, describing them as “horrific” and representing “a horrific escalation of violence and a complete disregard for human life and international humanitarian law.”
More than 450 civilians, including 24 boys, 11 girls, and two pregnant women, were reportedly killed in horrific attacks on communities around the town of Bara, in Sudan’s North Kordofan State, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF expressed concern in a statement that the number of child casualties could rise, as dozens have been injured and many are still missing.
“UNICEF condemns the attacks in the strongest possible terms,” Russell said in the statement. We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease the violence and abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.”
The UNICEF Executive Director emphasized the need not to target civilians, especially children, and emphasized the need for all alleged violations to be independently investigated and those responsible held accountable.
She added, “Impunity for violations of international law cannot be tolerated, especially when children’s lives are at stake.”
Russell offered her deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to everyone affected by “this heinous violence.” She said, “No child should be subjected to such horrors. Violence against children is intolerable and must end now.”
The statement noted that the situation in North Kordofan has escalated in recent weeks, leading to increased displacement, civilian casualties, and restrictions on humanitarian access, undermining their ability to survive.