Unicef concerned over impact on children in new Sudan violence

The UN International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) has expressed “grave concern over the impact of the ongoing armed conflict on children” in Sudan, and “condemns in the strongest terms the continued loss of innocent lives”.

In a press statement today, Unicef reiterated its call “on all concerned, to seek an end to the conflict and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all conflict affected areas”.

The statement refers specifically to the escalation in violence in the Blue Nile, Darfur and the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan. “Children unfortunately continue to bear the biggest burden of one of the most protracted man-made disasters, in some areas for over a decade.”

“Violence and conflict do not only deprive boys and girls their basic right to life but also access to health and nutrition services, opportunity to go to school and increases their risk to abuse and exploitation.”

According to the Fund’s figures, more than 200,000 children under the age of five in these areas have not had access to such services for more than four years.

“Violence and conflict do not only deprive boys and girls their basic right to life but also access to health and nutrition services, opportunity to go to school and increases their risk to abuse and exploitation.”

Unicef says that its line ministries, and other international and national partners are working relentlessly to ensure continued provision of basic services in water, sanitation, health, nutrition, education and protection, for the most vulnerable children, even in the conflict affected areas, as and when accessible.

“Peace is today, more than ever before, a prerequisite to ensure humanitarian assistance at scale for every boy and girl in Sudan,” the statement concludes.