Secretary-General Condemns Recent Deadly Attacks on Children and Civilians in South Kordofan, Sudan
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent violence in South Kordofan, where multiple drone strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous children and civilians. On December 4, attacks targeted a kindergarten and a hospital in the town of Kalogi, raising alarms about the safety of non-combatants in the region. Guterres condemned these assaults, emphasizing the need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians, while also calling for immediate humanitarian access to those in need.
Tragic Attacks in South Kordofan
The situation in South Kordofan has escalated dramatically, with reports indicating that at least three drone strikes occurred on December 4. Two of these strikes hit a kindergarten, tragically impacting young children, while a third targeted a hospital where the injured were being treated. The Secretary-General’s statement highlights the grave implications of such attacks, which not only endanger lives but also violate international humanitarian law. Guterres firmly condemned all assaults on civilians and civilian infrastructure, underscoring the importance of safeguarding schools and hospitals during conflicts. The UN leader called for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the rights of civilians and ensure their protection.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian situation in the Kordofan region is deteriorating rapidly, with life-saving supplies dwindling and famine conditions reported in Kadugli, the state capital of South Kordofan. The ongoing violence has exacerbated the crisis, making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to deliver essential aid. On the same day as the drone strikes, an aerial attack in North Kordofan targeted a humanitarian convoy carrying food assistance to North Darfur, damaging a World Food Programme (WFP) truck and injuring the driver. Guterres expressed his dismay over this attack on humanitarian operations, which come at a time when the need for assistance is critical. The UN has emphasized the necessity of allowing unimpeded access for humanitarian relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Call for Action and Accountability
In light of the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, Secretary-General Guterres has urged all states with influence over the conflicting parties to take immediate action. He called for an end to the fighting and an immediate halt to the flow of arms that perpetuate the conflict. Guterres reiterated the obligation of all parties to comply with international law, including humanitarian and human rights laws, across all active conflict zones in Sudan, particularly in Kordofan and Darfur. He stressed the importance of accountability for those responsible for human rights violations and urged a collective effort to prevent further atrocities.
Pursuit of Peace and Stability
The Secretary-General has renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire. He advocates for a comprehensive, inclusive, and Sudanese-led political process to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. The United Nations stands ready to support genuine efforts to end the violence and pave the way for sustainable peace in Sudan. Guterres’s statements reflect a commitment to ensuring that the voices of the Sudanese people are heard and that their aspirations for peace and stability are realized.
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