The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported Monday that more than 300 children were killed or injured in Sudan during the first six months of 2026, warning that intensified fighting in the Darfur and Kordofan regions has continued to place children at heightened risk.
According to UNICEF, Darfur and Kordofan have recorded the highest number of child casualties. The agency stated that drone strikes and other attacks since May have resulted in more than 35 child casualties. UNICEF further reported that repeated drone strikes and shelling have damaged homes, schools, healthcare facilities, water systems and markets, disrupted humanitarian supply routes and placed essential public services under increasing strain.
UNICEF representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett warned that children are increasingly exposed to violence across the country.
For many children, there is no safe place left. They are being killed and injured in their homes, on the roads, in markets, and while attempting to access essential services such as education and healthcare. Children must never be a target. Their lives, rights and futures must be protected.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called on all parties to the conflict to end grave violations against children and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. International humanitarian law requires parties to an armed conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants and prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, while affording children special protection during armed conflict.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023 following a power struggle between the two factions. According to a UNICEF press release issued in mid-April, the conflict has displaced nearly five million children. The UN has repeatedly described Sudan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of civilians requiring humanitarian assistance amid continuing violence and widespread displacement.
UNICEF continues to work with international humanitarian organizations, including Save the Children, to provide assistance and protection to children affected by the conflict. The United Nations has called on the international community to increase support for humanitarian operations in Sudan as insecurity continues to impede the delivery of essential aid.