News Center — El Fasher has been under siege for more than 500 days, suffering from acute shortages of food, water, and healthcare, along with rising rates of malnutrition and child mortality.
In a statement on Sunday, October 12, UNICEF said it had received reports confirming the deaths of nine girls and eight boys, including a seven-day-old infant, in an attack on the Dar Al-Arqam Displacement Center in El Fasher, North Darfur. The organization added that the attack struck a facility sheltering displaced families who had already fled the ongoing conflict in the region.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the deadly assault on children and displaced families—already seeking safety—as “outrageous,” emphasizing that killing and injuring children are grave violations of their rights. She stated that attacks on civilians in places meant to provide them with safety and refuge are “unconscionable.”
The organization drew attention to the fact that El Fasher has been besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over 500 days, with severe restrictions on movement and access to food, water, and medical care. Civilians, including large numbers of children, continue to face repeated bombardment and a sharp deterioration in living conditions.
UNICEF further noted that many areas in North Darfur have been experiencing famine for months, with food security and child nutrition reaching catastrophic levels. Families are surviving on limited rations, while cases of severe acute malnutrition among children have surged dramatically. Health facilities have also reported rising numbers of preventable child deaths linked to hunger and disease.
The organization renewed its urgent call for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities across Sudan, including in El Fasher, and for the lifting of the siege imposed on the city. UNICEF also called for full adherence to international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, and the establishment of safe corridors for families and children fleeing violence. The organization further urged unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations and accountability for those responsible for attacks on civilians, especially children.