UN Agencies: Dozens of Children Separated from Families and Orphaned in North Darfur

Humanitarian organizations have reported that dozens of children who lost their mothers and were separated from their families amid the chaotic flight from El-Fasher have arrived in displacement camps in the Tawila area. Among them are infants who lost their mothers and relatives—either killed inside the city or along the dangerous escape routes toward safety.

Earlier, Minister of State for Human Development and Social Welfare, Salima Ishaq, revealed that around 300 women were killed during Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacks on shelters and displacement routes in El-Fasher.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that an estimated 130,000 children in El-Fasher are at risk of severe violations, including abduction, killing, mutilation, and sexual violence, stressing that “no child is safe in the capital of North Darfur.”

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed deep concern over the disturbing images and reports emerging from the city. She said the escalation of violence has worsened the suffering of thousands of children, who have already been trapped for more than 500 days amid relentless shelling, heavy fighting, and severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

The organization renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians—especially children—while urging that those responsible for violations be held accountable.