Fighting in Sudan's North Kordofan State, particularly near the city of El Obeid, has resulted in a significant rise in child casualties, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
In the past two months, at least 23 children have been killed and 25 others wounded due to escalating violence. The latest incident on July 24 in Burbur, south of El Obeid, claimed the lives of four children aged between eight and 16.
UNICEF highlighted that the conflict has severely impacted civilians, with repeated attacks, displacement, and destruction of essential services placing children and families in grave danger.
Key points from UNICEF's report include:
- In July alone, eight children have died amid ongoing clashes.
- May and June saw at least 40 child casualties, including a two-month-old infant.
- More than 330 children across Sudan have been killed or injured during the first half of 2026.
- The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and disrupted access to healthcare, education, and clean water.
UNICEF's Sudan representative, Sheldon Yett, emphasized the human toll behind the statistics, urging all parties to protect children's rights and safety.
The situation around El Obeid has drawn international concern, with the UN Security Council warning of potential major offensives and mass atrocities if fighting escalates further.
Efforts to safeguard civilians and uphold international humanitarian law remain critical as the humanitarian crisis deepens in North Kordofan and beyond.
