A crisis of violence that worsens
The report draws a chilling parallel between the past and the present. Homes, schools and hospitals are again under fire, but the modern nature of fighting between rival armies has become even more deadly.
Since April 2024, more than 1,500 serious violations against children have been verified in the regional capital of El Fasher alone.
More than 1,300 children have been killed or maimed in the city (which was held by government military forces until it was overrun by RSF militia after a long siege last October), many of them by explosive weapons and drones.
Beyond physical blows, children face the trauma of kidnapping, recruitment into armed groups, and sexual violence.
“Twenty years ago, the world united in outrage at the suffering of children in Darfur. Today, a new generation of children experiences terrible violence, hunger and terror.”said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF.
Across Sudan, the UN has verified more than 5,700 serious violations since the current war began. The trend is accelerating: in the first three months of 2026, child deaths increased significantly compared to the previous year.
Barriers to life-saving help
Despite the collapse of infrastructure and the spread of famine, Humanitarian efforts are being strangled by insecurity, bureaucratic obstacles and a huge funding gap.. Many families in North Darfur remain completely deprived of food and clean water due to prolonged sieges.
While UNICEF and its partners continue to provide mobile health services and treatment for malnutrition, the report warns that aid is not reaching those most at risk.
“We cannot allow history to repeat itself“Ms. Russell urged. “Children in Darfur need sustained humanitarian access and protection. “The parties to this conflict must end this brutal war.”
UNICEF calls for an immediate end to violations against children and urges international donors to provide flexible funding to support displaced people both within Sudan and across its borders, particularly in overburdened communities in eastern Chad.