Two UN officials concerned with child protection have warned of the impact of the rapid escalation of hostilities in Sudan that has a dramatic impact on children, already highly affected by the countrys long-lasting and devastating conflicts and the dire humanitarian situation.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children Najat Maalla M’jid stressed that the lives, protection, and well-being of children must take precedence over combat operations.
In a joint press statement issued on Wednesday, the two officials called on all parties to halt hostilities and to ensure full protection of all children. Parties should further refrain from attacking civilian infrastructures in accordance with international humanitarian law, especially those impacting children, including schools and medical facilities as well as water and sanitation systems.
The two UN officials said that ceasing hostilities and de-escalation of tensions are the first urgent steps to ensure full protection of the children in the country without delay. Peace is still the best solution to stop violations against children.
They stressed the necessity for all civilians and especially children must be able to access essential supplies and evacuate from combat zones, pointing out that for decades, children in Sudan have already endured incredible levels of violence and suffering.
Source: Qatar News Agency