Children across Sudan are enduring severe consequences as the ongoing conflict intensifies, with at least 330 children reported killed or injured during the first six months of 2026, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative for Sudan, described the situation as a "relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation." Children are being killed and injured in their homes, on roads, in markets, and while trying to access essential services such as education and healthcare.

Reports indicate that drone attacks have accounted for 60% of child casualties, underscoring the growing impact of this warfare method since the conflict between rival militaries erupted in April 2023.

The states of Darfur and Kordofan have recorded the highest levels of child casualties, with the situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, being particularly alarming. Since May 2026, drone strikes and other attacks in North Kordofan have resulted in more than 35 child casualties, including at least 18 deaths and over 17 injuries. The affected children range in age from two months to 17 years.

UNICEF warns that with an estimated 500,000 civilians at risk in and around El Obeid and across North Kordofan, any further deterioration could expose more children to death, injury, displacement, and other grave protection risks.

Children also face grave violations such as recruitment and use in conflict, abduction, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals. UNICEF has called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to take all possible measures to safeguard children.

Following an emergency meeting of the UN Human Rights Council on 3 July, a resolution was adopted to investigate the catastrophic situation in El Obeid.

As of 20 June, 838 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases, including 117 deaths, have been reported from three localities, further highlighting the humanitarian crisis.

Sources