Children Trapped, Lives at Risk as Violence Escalates in Darfur: UNICEF Raises Alarm. 

Port Sudan:

As brutal fighting intensifies across Darfur, Sudan, UNICEF has issued a grave warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians—particularly children. In a statement issued Thursday, UNICEF Representative to Sudan Sheldon Yett described the situation as a deepening catastrophe, with children “bearing the brunt” of the violence.

Since the conflict sharply escalated on April 11, hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, and an estimated 330,000 civilians have been displaced from towns and camps including Al Fasher, Abu Shouk, and Zamzam. Families have sought refuge in overcrowded, makeshift shelters—unfinished buildings, schools, or beneath trees—where they remain exposed to shelling and cut off from food, water, and medical care.

In Zamzam camp, UNICEF is especially concerned for civilians trapped without the means to escape or reportedly being held back by armed groups. Meanwhile, the city of Tawila has absorbed more than 180,000 new arrivals, pushing fragile services beyond capacity. Outbreaks of preventable diseases are spreading, including over 800 suspected measles cases. Hospitals face critical shortages of medicine and fuel, and key nutrition services have been suspended due to attacks on health facilities.

Despite ongoing violence, UNICEF has managed to deliver vital aid to nearly 250,000 people in April, but the agency warns the need far exceeds current capacity. “Children are running out of food, out of medicine, and out of time,” said Yett. He called on all parties to the conflict to facilitate safe, unrestricted humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law.

“The fighting must stop,” Yett emphasized. “This is the best way to protect children and restore hope.”