UNICEF: Conflict Escalation in Medani Forced 150,000 Children to Displace

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UNICEF stated that the escalation of conflict to the Gezira State has forced at least 150,000 children to leave their homes in less than a week, indicating that the arrival of fighting in the Gezira State means that 10 out of 18 states are now "experiencing active conflict."

The Executive Director of the organization, Catherine Russell, explained in a statement on Thursday that "the new wave of violence can leave children and their families trapped between the frontlines or caught in the crossfire with severe consequences."

She added, "With renewed fighting in other areas, millions of children are at serious risk," and called for a cessation of hostilities, urging the fighting parties to respect international humanitarian law, including ensuring the protection of children, and facilitating the rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid "to children and families in affected areas without obstacles."

On the other hand, Nana Ndeda, Head of Advocacy and Hunger Policy at Save the Children, stated in a separate statement on Thursday that the outbreak of violence in April has pushed four million children into a hunger crisis or worse this year, representing a staggering 74% increase from 2022. The number facing famine in Sudan doubled to 2.9 million people from 1.4 million last year.