Volker Türk expressed deep concern following reports indicating that at least 15 children were among the casualties.
“These recent killings highlight the severe impact on civilians due to the increasing use of drone warfare in Sudan,” he stated.
The attacks occurred between February 15 and 16 across four states in Sudan, where the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in conflict since April 2023.
Market, Schools, and IDP Shelter Impacted
Türk mentioned that a purported Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) drone targeted the Al Safiya market in the Sudari locality of North Kordofan state on February 15, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians and injuries to 13 others.
The next day, in West Kordofan, a presumed SAF drone hit an internally displaced persons (IDP) shelter in Al Sunut, killing 26 civilians, including 15 children, and injuring 15 more.
That same day, alleged RSF drones targeted two primary schools in Dilling, South Kordofan; casualty details are still pending.
In a separate incident, an RSF drone reportedly struck Al-Mazmoun Hospital in Sennar state on February 15, allegedly killing at least three civilians and injuring seven others.
On the same day, an SAF drone allegedly attacked a fuel store within a local market in Adikong, West Darfur, with casualties reported but not yet confirmed.
“The ongoing attacks on civilian structures by all parties must cease,” said the rights chief.
“Parties must urgently protect civilians, avoiding military use of civilian objects.”
UN Convoy Reaches South Kordofan
A multi-agency UN convoy has delivered essential humanitarian aid to two cities in South Kordofan – Dilling and nearby Kadugli – which have been largely isolated from aid for over two years.
The 26 trucks carried crucial supplies, including food, nutrition, health, water, sanitation (WASH), and education resources for over 130,000 people.
Supplies included food for nearly 70,000 individuals, with specialized nutrition for 21,000 mothers and children to prevent malnutrition. The convoy also contained five months’ worth of HIV, TB, and malaria medication, along with lifesaving medicines.
The operation was led by the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
‘A Vital Lifeline’
“This convoy’s arrival is crucial for children who have lacked assistance for an extended period,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan.
Due to increased hostilities and insecurity on the main route from Al Obeid, the convoy was delayed over 40 days, exposing communities to further risk.
Eventually, the trucks reached Dilling via a longer, challenging offroad route, exemplifying the determination of humanitarian convoys to proceed under difficult circumstances, noted Makena Walker, acting WFP Country Director for Sudan.
“Routes must remain open and predictable to allow uninterrupted delivery of vital assistance, especially to isolated communities,” she said.
UN agencies emphasized the urgent need for sustained, predictable, and safe access to prevent further worsening of the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan.
Increase Support
“The arrival of lifesaving medicine in South Kordofan is a significant relief for patients who have witnessed dwindling supplies during the conflict. However, time is of the essence,” stated Luca Renda, UNDP Sudan Resident Representative.
“To keep patients alive, we must enhance support for national systems to ensure consistent deliveries across Sudan, even amid ongoing conflict.”
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