Escalating Conflict in Sudan: 330 Children Injured or Killed in Six Months [Press Release]

Children displaced by fighting in El Obeid, North Kordofan, live in the Tagat Internally Displaced Persons camp (Sudan, June 24, 2026). © UNICEF/UN0876229/

NEW YORK/NAIROBI/KHARTOUM, July 6, 2026 – UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) expresses its grave concern over the escalating conflict across Sudan, which continues to exact the heaviest toll on children. At least 330 children were reported killed or injured in the first six months of 2026, with the Darfur and Kordofan regions continuing to record the highest numbers of child casualties.

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The situation in and around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, and across the state is particularly alarming. Since May 2026, over 35 children have reportedly been killed or injured in the state due to attacks, including drone strikes, with at least 18 deaths and over 17 injuries. The ages of the injured and deceased children range from just two months to 17 years old. Reports indicate that 60% of these casualties were caused by drone attacks, highlighting the increasing impact of this warfare method on children and families.

Repeated drone attacks and shelling have also damaged civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, health facilities, water systems, and markets. Supply routes have been disrupted, increasingly hindering the delivery of critical services. With an estimated 500,000 civilians in El Obeid and its surroundings, and across North Kordofan state, facing danger, the situation could worsen, exposing more children to severe protection risks, including death, injury, and displacement.

Women and children displaced by fighting seek refuge in an internally displaced persons camp (Sudan, June 24, 2026). © UNICEF/UN0876238/

"Children are trapped in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement, and deprivation. For too many, there is no longer a safe place. Children are dying and being injured in their homes, on the streets, and in markets. They are also being harmed while trying to access basic services like education and healthcare. Children must never be targeted. Their lives, rights, and futures must be protected," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan.

Girls displaced in an internally displaced persons camp (Sudan, June 24, 2026). © UNICEF/UN0876227/

The ongoing threat of attacks is exacerbating children's fear, anxiety, and trauma, particularly in communities experiencing repeated bombings and displacement. Children are not only at immediate risk of death and injury. As the conflict persists, they continue to be exposed to grave violations of their rights, including recruitment and use by armed groups, abduction, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow safe, rapid, and unimpeded access for humanitarian operations. It also urges them to take all possible measures to protect children from harm.

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About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works for every child, everywhere, to uphold their rights and help them achieve their full potential. More than 13 million supporters worldwide partner with UNICEF to carry out this mission. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, companies, businesses, foundations and governments. (https://www.unicef.org)

About Japan Committee for UNICEF

The Japan Committee for UNICEF (JCU) is one of the 34 national committees for UNICEF in developed countries and regions. As the sole private, non-governmental organization representing UNICEF in Japan, JCU is responsible for public awareness, fundraising, and advocacy for UNICEF's activities in Japan. (https://www.unicef.or.jp)