At least 6 children killed in Sudan violence since June 7: UN

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN on Tuesday highlighted the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly in Al Fasher in North Darfur, noting that at least six children have been killed since June 7.

"Our colleagues at UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) have received harrowing reports that at least six children have been killed and many more injured in the cities since the 7th of June," deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said at a news conference.

He emphasized the dire situation facing thousands of children, including those in large displacement camps, who are "trapped in the middle of the increased fighting and are not able to reach safety."

Citing UNICEF's call for all parties involved in the conflict to "immediately de-escalate the situation," Haq urged the safe and voluntary movement of civilians and ensuring the protection of all civilians, especially children and women.

Haq further reported the death of an aid worker from the Relief International aid group. "Yesterday, an aid worker for the Relief International in Darfur died due to complications from a bullet wound sustained on the first of June," said Haq.

He said the worker was shot while returning to the Zamzam displacement camp after transporting a patient to Al Fasher Maternity Hospital, marking the sixth aid worker killed in Sudan in as many six weeks.

Citing a call by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to protect humanitarian workers in Sudan and other conflict zones worldwide, he said: "Our humanitarian colleagues warn the ongoing clashes in and around Al Fasher are taking a grim toll on humanitarian workers and operations. Humanitarians must be protected."

According to the UN, the conflict in Sudan that started in April 2023 has resulted in more than 16,000 deaths, displaced nearly 10 million people, and left over 25 million in need of humanitarian assistance, making it one of the world's largest displacement and hunger crises.

Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF paramilitary group.