UNICEF: 17 children, including an infant, were reported killed in an attack on a center for displaced people in El Fasher

UNICEF said in a statement issued on Sunday that the attack occurred in a facility housing displaced families due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Catherine Russell, the organization’s executive director, said: “This devastating attack on children and families who are already displaced and searching for safety is disgraceful.”.

She added that killing and injuring children is a grave violation of their rights, and attacks on civilians in places that are supposed to provide them with safety and shelter are unreasonable.

Siege for more than 500 days

UNICEF reminded that the city of El Fasher has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces for more than 500 days, with severe restrictions on movement and access to food, water, and medical care. Civilians, including large numbers of children, face frequent bombardment and deteriorating living conditions.

She added that several areas in North Darfur have been experiencing famine for months, and the food security and child nutrition situation in the state has reached catastrophic levels. Families live on limited food rations, and severe acute malnutrition among children is on a sharp rise.

The organization said health facilities are reporting an increase in preventable child deaths linked to hunger and disease.

UNICEF renewed the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities throughout Sudan, including El Fasher, and for the lifting of the siege,

Respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, provide safe passage for civilians, including children and families fleeing violence, provide safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations, and hold accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians, including children.