Urgent call to end violence and protect Sudanese children amid escalating conflict

According to the UN report, the conflict in Sudan has brought about extensive violations of children’s rights, including recruitment into armed groups.

Sudanese children play on a truck as people fleeing the al-Jazira state arrive at an area near the eastern city of Gedaref on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo: AFP)
Sudanese children play on a truck as people fleeing the al-Jazira state arrive at an area near the eastern city of Gedaref on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

Jan. 18, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United Nations has issued a serious warning about the dreadful situation in Sudan, where children are being exposed to ongoing violence.

Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), underlined the crucial necessity for immediate action to protect children caught in the prolonged conflict in Sudan.

According to the UN report, the conflict in Sudan has brought about extensive violations of children’s rights, including recruitment into armed groups.

The conflict has exposed children to harrowing levels of exploitation which has left lasting physical and emotional scars.

“Many have been recruited into armed groups, stripped of their childhood, and thrust into roles as fighters, spies, or laborers,” the report highlighted.

As the report indicated, girls are faced with risks of sexual violence, “with reports of abduction and abuse emerging from conflict-affected areas.”

The situation has been worsened by the lack of access to basic humanitarian aid, exposing children to malnutrition, disease, and exploitation.

Alarming Statistics Highlight the Crisis

The report underlines a disturbing surge in violations against children since the conflict started in April 2023.

Gamba stated that children are being robbed of their childhoods, their futures, and in many cases, their lives. Schools and hospitals have not been spared, with attacks leaving thousands of children without access to education and healthcare.

The situation is especially dreadful in areas controlled by armed groups, where the recruitment of child soldiers has been reported.

Gamba condemned these acts as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and urged for answerability for those perpetuating these crimes.

UN's Immediate Appeals and Recommendations

The United Nations has urgently appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to abide by international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Gamba called on the Sudanese authorities and armed factions to prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly children, and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid.

The Special Representative also urged the international community to increase support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan.

“All parties in Sudan must place the rights and needs of children at the center of efforts to achieve peace,” Gamba said.

The Human Cost of Prolonged Conflict

Sudan’s conflict has displaced millions, with children creating a substantial portion of the affected population.

Many have been separated from their families, left to face the challenges of refugee camps or the streets alone. These conditions not only endanger their immediate safety but also pose lasting risks to their mental health and development.

The international community faces growing pressure to interfere in the Sudanese crisis, both to end the violence and to establish mechanisms to hold perpetrators responsible. Advocacy groups have also underscored the necessity for improved funding to provide education, healthcare, and psychosocial support for affected children.

A Call for Global Solidarity

The plight of Sudanese children is an utterly harsh reminder of the human cost of armed conflict.

At a moment such as this, we cannot turn a blind eye to the agonies of children. Their protection should be at the forefront of any peace-building efforts.

This urgent appeal underlines the need for fast and coordinated action to tackle the intensifying crisis in Sudan. Protecting children and ensuring their rights must remain a global priority, as their well-being is inherently tied to the future stability of the region.