(GENEVA) – A year after the onset of the armed conflict in Sudan, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Children issued a statement detailing grave violations against children’s rights.
The committee urged Sudan to immediately cease grave violations and halt the recruitment of children into armed forces.
Since the conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the committee observed repeated attacks on civilians, widespread killings (including ethnically motivated ones), and the deaths of thousands of civilians, including children.
Reports of rape of civilians, including children, denial of humanitarian access, and violations of children’s economic and social rights are also alarming.
These violations have placed 24 million children in Sudan at risk of a generational catastrophe. Among them, 14 million urgently need humanitarian support, 19 million are out of school, and 4 million are displaced, making Sudan the largest child displacement crisis globally.
Additionally, UNICEF found 3.7 million children acutely malnourished, including 730,000 with severe acute malnutrition. Access to healthcare has been severely compromised due to the closure of hospitals, leaving two-thirds of the population without adequate medical services.
Without improved access and additional support, tens of thousands of children are at risk of death.
The conflict has seen a sharp increase in the number of children killed or victimized by sexual violence, with widespread armed recruitment of children, particularly in Darfur and other areas, including Eastern Sudan. The closure of schools further exposes children to risks of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
The Committee on the Rights of Children expressed deep concern over these violations, urging Sudan to take urgent measures to end them and fulfill its commitments under international law. Cooperation with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and efforts to negotiate peace and security were also emphasized.
