Sudan Sheldon Itt’s statement by UNICEF representative
“As the fight in Darfur intensifies, children are bearing the brunt of a serious humanitarian catastrophe. In the past three weeks, thousands of children and families have been forced to flee their homes for the second or third time.
“The escalation of the fighting since April 11th has reportedly killed hundreds and driven large civilian departures from camps in Al Fasher, Abu Shok and Zamzam. Approximately 150,000 have been evacuated to Al Fasher, refuge under unfinished buildings, schools or trees. People are increasing the total number of displaced people in the city to more than 300,000, further increasing the already vulnerable services and support systems.
“We are very concerned about the situation of an unknown number of civilians who remain trapped in Zamzam.
“For those who fled, the situation remains disastrous. In Al Fascher, continuous combat has severely restricted movements and disrupt humanitarian activities. The hospitals are barely functional. Medical supplies are expected to run out within a few weeks, increasing water shortages and more fuel in generators.
“The outbreak of preventable diseases is on the rise. Over 800 suspected cases of measles have been reported in Tawira, but important nutrition services have been suspended following the attack on the facility in Zamzam.
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“Despite the anxiety and access challenges, UNICEF is staying and delivering for children in Darfur. In April, our team got five trucks that carry life-saving health, nutrition and laundry to Tawila, Zareaingi and Jebel Mara.
“However, the scale of needs is much larger and access is dangerously constrained. For example, while UNICEF supports partners on the ground, services are unable to keep up with overwhelming demand, and there is an urgent need to expand mobile outreach for health and nutrition.
“Every day without assistance and protection, we put more lives at risk. Children must be protected wherever they are. Humanitarian aid must reach delays, obstructions, or other obstacles.
“The kids are running out of food and not running out of medication.
“UNICEF urgently calls conflicts to the government and all parties, ensuring safe humanitarian corridors to promote swift, safe, unhindered humanitarian access across the line of conflict, and to promote aid provision and population movement.
International humanitarian law and human rights law need to be respected. Civilians and civilian objects must be protected. And most of all, the fight must stop. This is the best way to protect children and restore hope. ”
