UNICEF Condemns Drone Strike on School and Health Centre in Sudan That Killed Children

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned a reported drone attack in Shukairi village, White Nile State, Sudan, which struck a secondary school and a primary healthcare centre, killing several civilians including children.

According to initial reports, the attack took place yesterday morning and resulted in the deaths of at least eight students, four of them under the age of 18, along with a health worker. Many others were injured in the strike.

Authorities have since closed schools in the locality, reflecting growing fears over the safety of children and education facilities in the conflict-affected region.

UNICEF Condemns Attack on Children and Schools

UNICEF described the incident as a grave violation of children's rights and called for immediate protection of civilians.

"This reported attack is an outrageous violation of children's right to safety and protection," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan.

"It is a heartbreaking reminder of the brutal impact of this conflict on children. Schools must always be safe spaces where children can learn, grow and hope. They must never be attacked."

Schools and Hospitals Protected Under International Law

Under international humanitarian law, schools and healthcare facilities are considered civilian objects and must not be targeted during armed conflict.

UNICEF stressed that all parties involved in the fighting must uphold their legal obligations to protect civilians, particularly children.

The organisation urged combatants to ensure that homes, schools, hospitals, water and sanitation systems, and essential public services remain protected from attacks.

Growing Pattern of Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

Since the conflict erupted in mid-April 2023, Sudan has experienced widespread damage to critical infrastructure, including education and healthcare facilities.

According to reports cited by UNICEF, at least 200 attacks on schools and hospitals have been recorded during the conflict.

These attacks have disrupted education and healthcare services for millions of children, leaving many without access to safe learning environments or essential medical care.

Sudan's Children Among the Hardest Hit

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

Children have been among the most affected, facing displacement, interrupted schooling, food insecurity and exposure to violence.

Humanitarian agencies warn that continued attacks on schools and health facilities further deepen the crisis by stripping communities of the services they rely on for survival and development.

UNICEF called for immediate measures to protect children and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that schools must remain places of safety even during conflict.