At least 30 children reportedly killed or injured in shelling of civilian areas in Sennar city, Sudan

PORT SUDAN, 11 September 2024 – “Earlier this week, at least 30 children were reportedly killed or injured when multiple shells hit Sennar city.

“These appalling attacks continue to cause great harm and suffering to children, as well as widespread damage and destruction to essential infrastructure children depend on. Last year, explosive weapons were responsible for more than half of all instances where children were killed or injured in Sudan, as documented by the United Nations.

“The violence against children and the attacks on civilian infrastructure must end. UNICEF repeats its calls to all parties to abide by their International Humanitarian Law obligations and take all feasible precautions to protect children.

“In 2023, Sudan witnessed the highest number of verified grave violations against children in more than a decade. An estimated 72 per cent of violations involved the killing and maiming of children, followed by recruitment and use of children by armed groups and sexual violence.

“In 2024, the UN continues to receive information of a shocking number of children being killed and maimed by heavy aerial bombardment, the use of artillery, and small arms fire. Girls have shouldered a particularly heavy burden, facing terrifying risks to their safety, including rape and other forms of sexual violence.

“The wave of atrocities unleashed upon the children in Sudan must stop.”

#####

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact the UNICEF UK media team on 0207 375 6030 or [email protected]

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube