Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Two decades after the initial conflict in Darfur, children in the region are again suffering widespread violence, hunger, and displacement, with international attention reportedly limited, according to a UNICEF Child Alert report titled Darfur: 20 Years On, Children Under Threat.
The report highlights that since April 2024, over 1,500 grave violations against children have been verified in El Fasher, the regional capital. More than 1,300 children have been killed or maimed there, many by explosive weapons and drone attacks, as the city changed control from government forces to RSF militia following a siege.
Beyond physical harm, children face abduction, recruitment into armed groups, and sexual violence. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that a new generation is enduring violence, hunger, and terror, echoing the suffering from 20 years ago.
Across Sudan, the UN has verified over 5,700 grave violations against children since the current war began. Child fatalities have increased notably in the first three months of 2026 compared to the previous year, showing a growing trend.
Humanitarian aid is blocked by insecurity, bureaucratic hurdles, and a major funding gap, leaving many families in North Darfur without food or safe water due to prolonged sieges. While UNICEF and partners continue mobile health services and malnutrition treatment, aid reportedly is not reaching those most in need.
UNICEF urges the conflict parties to end the war and calls on international donors to provide flexible funding to support displaced populations in Sudan and bordering areas of eastern Chad.