Written by Jermaine Magethe
Since the conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, the number of forcibly displaced people has risen to 12.4 million. Of these, 8.8 million remain within Sudan, while 3.3 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Even before this crisis, these neighboring nations were already hosting large numbers of displaced people and now face mounting challenges in providing protection and essential aid.The two opponent factions consist of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies (collectively the Janjaweed coalition) under the Janjaweed leader Hemedti.
Recent months have seen an alarming escalation of violence. The catastrophic bombardment of the busy market in Omdurman left 54 people dead and 158 injured, with many being women and children. It came after a fatal attack on Abu Shouk camp near El Fasher that left at least seven dead and 11 injured. On January 25, another brutal strike targeted the El Fasher Saudi Teaching Hospital in North Darfur, killing approximately 70 people and wounding many more.
Among those that were attacked at the hospital included children injured during various incidents of the continued violence. It was reported that at least one girl and three boys died, while three other boys received injuries. This indicates the rising dangers for children in the war zone, where space for their safety is minimal.
The healthcare system has reached the point of complete collapse, with over 70% of hospitals in the conflict areas no longer operating. Many have been destroyed, some damaged, and others lack supplies or have been converted into shelters. Security threats and restricted access seriously disrupted the distribution of vital medical assistance, such as vaccines and routine vaccinations, putting at great risk countless lives, especially among children.
International Humanitarian Law dictates that hospitals should be protected and never attacked during conflicts. Medical facilities, when attacked, deny civilians life-saving care, including children, and further escalate the humanitarian crisis. All parties to this conflict have a legal and moral obligation to protect civilians and ensure that essential medical services are unimpeded. There is a need for immediate international intervention to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
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