The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed alarm following reports of numerous civilian deaths in Sudan between February 15 and 16. At least 15 of those killed were children, according to the reports.
Market, Schools and IDP Shelter Hit
Mr. Türk stated that an alleged Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) drone strike on the Al Safiya market in Sudari locality, North Kordofan state, on February 15 reportedly killed 28 civilians and injured 13 others. The following day, in West Kordofan, an alleged SAF drone struck a shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Al Sunut, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 15 children and injuries to 15 more.
Also on February 16, alleged Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drones hit two primary schools in Dilling, South Kordofan, though the extent of casualties remains unknown. Elsewhere, an alleged RSF drone struck the Al-Mazmoun Hospital in Sennar state on February 15, reportedly killing at least three civilians and injuring at least seven others. A separate alleged SAF drone strike on a fuel store within a local market in Adikong, West Darfur, also occurred on February 15, with casualties reported but unconfirmed.
“The continued attacks by all parties on civilian objects must stop,” Mr. Türk said, urging all parties to grab urgent measures to protect civilians and refrain from the military use of civilian objects.
UN Convoy Arrives in South Kordofan
A multi-agency UN convoy recently delivered vital humanitarian supplies to Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, areas largely cut off from aid for over two years. The 26 trucks carried essential medical, food, nutrition, water, sanitation, and education supplies for more than 130,000 people.
The supplies included food for nearly 70,000 people, including 21,000 mothers and children, as well as specialized nutritious food to prevent malnutrition and a five-month supply of medication for HIV, TB, and malaria. The convoy was led by the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
“The arrival of this convoy is a critical lifeline for children who have been cut off from assistance for far too long,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan. The convoy was forced to halt for over 40 days due to intensified hostilities, ultimately reaching Dilling via a longer, more difficult route, highlighting the challenges faced by humanitarian efforts.
Step Up Support
“The arrival of lifesaving medicine in South Kordofan is a huge relief for patients who have watched stocks dwindle during the war. But now the clock starts ticking again,” said Luca Renda, UNDP Sudan Resident Representative. “To keep patients alive, we have to ramp up support for national systems that can maintain regular deliveries all across Sudan, even while war continues.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between February 15 and 16 in Sudan?
Between February 15 and 16, there were reported attacks in four states across Sudan resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries, allegedly carried out by drones linked to both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
What kind of aid was delivered to South Kordofan?
A UN convoy delivered essential medical, food, nutrition, water, sanitation, and education supplies to Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, intended for over 130,000 people.
What did Volker Türk say about the attacks?
Volker Türk expressed alarm at the reports of civilian deaths and stated that the continued attacks by all parties on civilian objects must stop, urging measures to protect civilians.
As the conflict continues, what steps might be necessary to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in Sudan?