in a new child warning report title Darfur: 20 years later, children in dangerunited nations children’s agency UNICEF Warned that while the horrors of 2005 are being repeated, The scale of need is now far greater, and international attention is dangerously disrupted.
deepening crisis of violence
The report draws a striking parallel between the past and present. Homes, schools and hospitals have again come under fire, but the modern nature of the fighting between rival armies has become even more deadly.
Since April 2024, more than 1,500 serious violations against children have been confirmed in the regional capital El Fasher alone.
More than 1,300 children have been killed or maimed in the city – which was held by military government forces until it was captured by RSF militia after a lengthy siege last October – many by Explosive weapons and drones.
Apart from physical attacks, children also face the trauma of kidnapping, recruitment into armed groups and sexual violence.
“Twenty years ago, the world was united in outrage over the suffering of children in Darfur. Today a new generation of children is going through terrible violence, hunger and terror.” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.
Across Sudan, the United Nations has confirmed more than 5,700 serious violations since the current war began. The trend is accelerating: in the first three months of 2026, child mortality has increased significantly compared to the previous year.
Barriers to life-saving assistance
Despite infrastructure collapse and famine spreading, Humanitarian efforts are being strangled by insecurity, bureaucratic hurdles and massive lack of funding. Many families in North Darfur are completely deprived of food and safe water due to the long-term siege.
While UNICEF and its partners continue to provide mobile health services and malnutrition treatment, the report warns that aid is not reaching those at greatest risk.
“We cannot allow history to repeat itselfMs. Russell urged. “Children in Darfur need protection and continued humanitarian access. The parties to this conflict must end this brutal war.
UNICEF is calling for an immediate end to violations against minors and is urging international donors to provide flexible funding to support displaced people within Sudan and across its borders, particularly in over-extended communities in eastern Chad.
