UNICEF’s new Child Alert report, “Darfur: 20 Years On, Children Under Threat,” warns that children in Darfur are once again facing extreme violence, echoing the atrocities seen two decades ago, but on a larger and more severe scale. The report highlights that international attention is limited even as the humanitarian situation rapidly deteriorates.
Since April 2024, more than 1,500 grave violations against children have been verified in El Fasher alone. Over 1,300 children have been killed or maimed in the city, many due to explosive weapons and drone strikes amid ongoing conflict between rival military forces. Children are also facing abduction, recruitment into armed groups, and widespread sexual violence.
Across Sudan, more than 5,700 grave violations against children have been confirmed since the current conflict began, with rising fatalities in early 2026 compared to the previous year. UNICEF warns that the situation is worsening as the intensity of the fighting increases and protection for children continues to collapse.
Humanitarian access remains severely restricted due to insecurity, bureaucratic barriers, and funding shortages. Many communities in North Darfur are cut off from essential supplies such as food and clean water because of prolonged sieges, while infrastructure breakdown and famine conditions further deepen the crisis.
Despite ongoing efforts by UNICEF and partners to provide emergency health services and nutrition support, aid is not reaching the most vulnerable populations. The report stresses that humanitarian response is being outpaced by growing needs on the ground.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that the world must not allow history to repeat itself, calling for urgent protection of children and sustained humanitarian access. She urged all parties to end the conflict and ensure safe delivery of aid.
The agency is also calling for an immediate halt to violations against children and increased flexible funding from international donors. It highlights the urgent need to support displaced families within Sudan and in neighboring countries such as Chad, where host communities are already under significant strain.
