UNICEF Warns of Children’s Crisis in Al-Fasher Amid Ongoing Violence
The city of Al-Fasher, capital of North Darfur state in Sudan, has been under siege for over 500 days, threatening the lives of thousands of children who face severe hunger and violence, reports 24brussels.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, “We are witnessing a devastating tragedy – children in Al Fasher are starving while UNICEF’s lifesaving nutrition services are being blocked. Blocking humanitarian access is a grave violation of children’s rights, and the lives of children are hanging in the balance.” She emphasized the need for immediate access to humanitarian aid, including through expanded pauses in fighting to allow assistance to reach those in need.
In a related development, Sudan’s Ministry of Health reported 1,210 new cholera cases and 36 deaths in the past week. This raises the total number of cases since the outbreak commenced in August 2024 to 102,831, with fatalities amounting to 2,561.
These alarming health reports come as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify their attacks in the region, attempting to seize control of the Sudanese army’s sixth infantry division headquarters located within the city. Sources confirm that the RSF, backed by “hundreds of foreign mercenaries,” is utilizing drones and heavy artillery in their assaults. In response, the Sudanese army has conducted counterattacks, inflicting casualties and damaging military equipment.
The conflict’s escalation underscores the dire humanitarian crisis facing civilians in Sudan, where access to essential services and protection from violence remains critically limited.
