UNICEF: Darfur's children trapped in a humanitarian catastrophe

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

A new report of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, titled 'Darfur: 20 Years On, Children Under Threat,' draws attention to the escalating suffering of children amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan and that the situation is only worsening.

In the first three months of 2026 alone, at least 160 children were killed and 85 injured.

Since April 2024, more than 1,500 serious violations against children have been documented in Al Fasher, including the killing and maiming of over 1,300 children.

Many of these abuses involve explosive weapons, drones, sexual violence, abductions, and recruitment by armed groups.

Humanitarian crisis intensified

Moreover, the conflict, UNICEF highlights, has reignited large-scale violence, mass displacement, and acute hunger.

Homes have been burned, markets attacked, and schools and health facilities damaged or destroyed.

Across Darfur, UNICEF explains, destruction of essential infrastructure has accelerated famine, hunger, and disease, while prolonged conflict and sieges have left families without food, safe water, or healthcare, forcing many to flee to already overcrowded areas.

Collapsing infrastructure

Millions of children have lost access to education and healthcare, while increasing numbers face severe malnutrition, disease, and violence perpetrated by armed forces or groups.

Many families, the UN agency laments, have fled across borders, particularly into eastern Chad, where local services, already overextended, struggle to cope with new arrivals.

UNICEF and its partners continue to provide lifesaving assistance across Darfur and neighboring countries.

However, insecurity, bureaucratic obstacles, and funding shortfalls severely hinder humanitarian efforts, leaving many children without support when they are most at risk.

Thus, the UN Children's Fund is calling on parties in the conflict to respect international law and protect civilians, including children; guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access; and end and prevent serious violations against children.