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UNICEF Expressed Concern Regarding the Situation of Children in Sudan

Protesters want a transition from military to civilian rule. Protesters want a transition from military to civilian rule. Reuters

“Violence must stop”: UNICEF expresses concern about the continuous unrest and brutality inflicted on children in Sudan.


On 3 June, as a result of a military backlash against pro-democracy protesters,   several children were killed or injured.

Over the last months, the condition in Sudan has been gradually becoming unbearable for civilians.  Considering the gravity of the situation, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director, Henrietta Fore, has expressed her concern with regard to  the foreseeable consequences of perpetual violence on children living in Sudan.

The tensions in the country began in April when the autocratic ruler, President Omar al-Bashir, has been overthrown by the military. Although  the ruling Transitional Military Council and protesters seemed to have reached some kind of consensus during peaceful talks in May, the situation aggravated on 3 June when security forces and paramilitaries opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in the capital city of Khartoum.  As a result, at least 19 children have been killed and another 49 have been injured. This circumstance is a cause for considerable concern, as expressed by Fore. Moreover, schools, hospitals and health centers were destroyed. According to information gathered by UNICEF, children living in Sudan are being detained, sexually abused, or recruited to serve as militants. The situation in Sudan is further deteriorating due to a shortage of food, water and available medicine which is critical for children's health.

Following recent unrests, UNICEF will continue to offer assistance to children in Sudan and committed itself  to provide vaccines, water and treatment for malnutrition and psychosocial support for millions of children, as underlined by its Executive Director. In addition, in her statement, Fore urged all  parties involved in the conflict to establish a peaceful dialogue as well as to protect children and their fundamental rights. In her plea, she also asked the Sudanese authorities to allow humanitarian organizations to carry on their activities in Sudan.

 

To read more, visit:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2019/06/12/children-killed-and-injured-amid-escalating-violence-in-sudan/#31b86851565a 

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9285679/sudan-massacre-kids-killed-sexually-abused-militia-stench-bodies-schools/ 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/06/1040301 

 

Author: Giulia Francescon; Editor: Aleksandra Krol

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