Crisis worsens in Sudan’s South Kordofan as UN demands protection for civilians
The ongoing fighting has forced thousands to flee to neighbouring countries, while those who remain face severe shortages of food and medicine.
The United Nations has condemned the reported use of women and children as human shields in Sudan and urged warring parties to protect civilians trapped in the escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
In a statement released on Thursday, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan Clementine Nkweta-Salami warned that the situation in the two regions was worsening rapidly, with civilians bearing the brunt of the prolonged conflict.
"I condemn the reported use of women and children as human shields in Kadugli, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the detention of civilians, including children," he said.
"Humanitarian needs also remain critical in Blue Nile, where the threat of violence and reports of mass mobilisation for conflict again risks further violence," Nkweta-Salami added.
The latest violence in Kadugli, South Kordofan, has left at least 80 civilians dead and many others injured, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Thousands flee conflict
The ongoing fighting has forced thousands to flee to neighbouring countries, while those who remain face severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
For months, civilians in the conflict zones have struggled to access essential services as insecurity continues to isolate them.
"This is a critical moment, as the consequences of food insecurity are already being felt in parts of South Kordofan, where families are surviving on dangerously limited food supplies, and malnutrition rates are rising sharply," Nkweta-Salami said.
Human suffering
She warned that if the violence persists, more people will be left without access to vital aid, deepening human suffering and resulting in further loss of life.
The UN has also called on all sides to de-escalate tensions and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law by protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The statement also urged warring factions to allow humanitarian organisations safe and unrestricted access to the people in need.
"All sides to the conflict should de-escalate tensions and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must also allow humanitarian organisations safe and unrestricted access to those in desperate need," the statement concluded.
Observers warn that foreign support for the warring factions is fuelling the conflict, further destabilising the region.
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