At least 23 children reportedly killed and 25 injured in Sudan’s conflict-afflicted North Kordofan in past two months

NEW YORK/NAIROBI/KHARTOUM, 28 July 2026 – At least 23 children have reportedly been killed, with a further 25 reportedly injured in North Kordofan in the two months since the conflict intensified around Al Obeid in late May.

The latest incident occurred on Friday 24 July in the Burbur area to the south of Al Obeid, where at least four children, two boys and two girls aged between the ages of eight and 16, were reportedly killed. This brings the total number of children reportedly killed or injured in July to at least 8.

This comes after reports that at least 10 children were killed or injured in May and at least 30 children were killed or injured in June, with the youngest child affected just two months old.

“Four more children have lost their lives in a conflict that continues to put children and their families in grave danger,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan. “Behind every number is a child whose life has been cut short and a family whose future has been altered forever. Children continue to be the victims of this conflict. Their safety, their rights and the services they depend on must be protected.”

Across Sudan, children bear the brunt of more than three years of conflict. In the first six months of the year, at least 330 children were reportedly killed or injured. Ongoing violence, repeated displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure are putting children's lives, wellbeing and future at risk.

UNICEF calls on all parties to protect civilians, including children, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. All feasible precautions must be taken to spare children from the effects of hostilities and to protect the infrastructure and services they depend on, including schools, health facilities and water systems.

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