The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Monday that more than 300 children were killed or injured in Sudan in the first six months of 2026, warning that children remain at increased risk due to intensified fighting in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.
According to UNICEF, Darfur and Kordofan have recorded the highest number of child victims. The agency said drone strikes and other attacks have resulted in more than 35 child deaths since May. UNICEF further reported that this was repeated Drone attacks and shelling have damaged homes, schools, health facilities, water systems and markets, disrupted humanitarian supply routes and put critical public services under increasing pressure.
UNICEF representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett warned that children across the country were increasingly exposed to violence.
For many children there is no longer a safe place. They are killed and injured in their homes, on the streets, in markets and while trying to access vital services such as education and healthcare. Children should never become targets. Their lives, their rights and their future must be protected.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell Called on all parties to the conflict to end serious violations against children and to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including ensuring safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance. International humanitarian law requires parties to an armed conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants, prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian objects, and grants special protection to children during an 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 The report, published in mid-April, said the conflict had displaced nearly five million children. The UN has done this repeatedly described Sudan This is one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions of civilians in need of humanitarian assistance amid ongoing violence and widespread displacement.
UNICEF continues to work with international humanitarian organizations including Save the childrento offer help and protection to the children affected conflict. The United Nations has called Calls on the international community to increase support for humanitarian operations in Sudan, as insecurity continues to hamper the delivery of vital assistance.
