UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have highlighted the extreme suffering and abuse faced by children in Sudan's ongoing civil war. According to UNICEF, 160,000 children in Sudan are suffering due to the conflict, with many experiencing daily violence, starvation, disease, and sexual abuse.
UNICEF's Report on Child Suffering
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell told the UN Security Council that children are experiencing war in their homes, schools, and hospitals across Sudan. She noted that children under five are particularly at risk. Over 1.3 million children live in the five most famine-affected areas, and three million more are at risk of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue due to the collapse of the health system. At least 16.5 million young people are unable to access education.
Sexual Violence Against Children
Russell reported that 221 cases of rape occurred in nine of Sudan's 18 states last year, with two-thirds of the victims being girls. Among the recorded cases, 16 children were under five years old, and four were under one year old. She emphasized that the trauma experienced by these children will not be easily erased, even with ceasefires or peace agreements.
MSF's Findings on Sexual Violence
MSF's Secretary-General Christopher Lockyear informed the Security Council that their teams in Sudan have found evidence of sexual violence. They treated 385 survivors last year. Lockyear stated that a significant number of children, including those under five, were raped by armed men. Nearly half of the victims were attacked while working in the fields. He stressed that women and girls are not only vulnerable but are being targeted with extreme brutality.
Call for Action and Funding
Both UNICEF and MSF have called for urgent action and funding to address the crisis. UNICEF estimates that billions of dollars are needed to provide essential aid to Sudan's 8.7 million children, including food, water, sanitation, protection, health, and education. They urged the Security Council to pressure warring parties to remove all obstacles to aid delivery.
