At least 35 children reportedly killed in attacks in communities in Sudan’s North Kordofan State
Publication Date: 2025/07/15
NEW YORK/AMMAN/PORT SUDAN,15 July 2025 – “More than 450 civilians, including at least 24 boys, 11 girls, and two pregnant women, were reportedly killed in horrific attacks in communities around the city of Bara, including the villages of Shag Alnom and Hilat Hamid, in Sudan’s North Kordofan State over the weekend. With dozens more injured and many still missing, we fear that the number of child casualties could rise further.
“These attacks are an outrage. They represent a terrifying escalation of violence, and a complete disregard for human life, international humanitarian law, and the most basic principles of humanity.
“UNICEF condemns the attacks in the strongest possible terms. We call on all parties to the conflict to end the violence immediately and to uphold their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
“Civilians – particularly children – must never be the target of attack. All alleged violations must be independently investigated, and those responsible held to account. Impunity cannot be tolerated for violations of international law, especially when children’s lives are at stake.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and to anyone impacted by this heinous violence.
“No child should ever experience such horrors. Violence against children is unconscionable and must end now.”
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Notes for editors:
The situation in North Kordofan has escalated in recent weeks, resulting in increased displacement, civilian casualties and restrictions on humanitarian access that are detrimental to children’s survival.
In 2024, six per cent of all grave violations against children – including killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children in armed forces and armed groups; attacks on schools or hospitals; rape or other grave sexual violence; abduction of children; and denial of humanitarian access for children – in Sudan took place in North Kordofan. A more alarming trend has been registered since January 2025.
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