Sudan: Amid lethal drone attacks, children bear brunt of escalating war
“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative for Sudan.“For many children, there is no safe place left. They are being killed and injured in their homes, on the roads, in markets and while attempting to access essential services such as education and healthcare. Children must never be a target. Their lives, rights and futures must be protected.”According to reports, drone attacks accounted for 60 per cent of these casualties, highlighting the growing impact of this method of warfare on children and families as the war that erupted between rival militaries in April 2023 continues.Alarming situation in Al ObeidFollowing a UN Human Rights Council emergency meeting on 3 July, it adopted a resolution on Monday to investigate the catastrophic situation in El Obeid.With an estimated 500,000 civilians at risk in and around El Obeid and across North Kordofan, UNICEF said any further deterioration could expose even more children to death, injury, displacement and other grave protection risks.Darfur and Kordofan states continued to record the highest levels of child casualties, the agency said, adding that the situation in and around El Obeid, and more broadly across North Kordofan, is particularly alarming.Since May 2026, drone strikes and other attacks have reportedly resulted in more than 35 child casualties in the state, including at least 18 children killed and more than 17 injured.The affected children ranged in age from just two months to 17 years.Immediate risks of death or injuryRepeated drone strikes and shelling have also damaged civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, health facilities, water systems and markets, disrupted supply routes and placed essential services under increasing strain.
