Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On March 24th, local time, the UNHCR released a report stating that due to ongoing regional conflict, at least 42,000 children in Sudan and its neighboring countries are currently separated from their families, unaccompanied, and facing a severe survival crisis.
The report indicates that approximately 5,000 children are currently living in Sudan, while the remainder live in refugee camps in neighboring countries. Chad hosts the largest number, with 24,000 children; followed by Ethiopia with approximately 7,000 children; Egypt and South Sudan each host approximately 6,000 children.
The report points out that these children have previously suffered varying degrees of severe physical abuse and have been deprived of their rights to education and healthcare. Furthermore, these children face risks such as family separation, recruitment by armed groups, child labor, and forced marriage.
The report also notes that approximately 329,000 children in the region currently receive protection services, with the majority of assistance concentrated in Chad and South Sudan.
According to reports from media outlets such as the Sudan Tribune, the UNHCR currently operates 119 child-friendly spaces in Sudan and neighboring countries to protect children affected by conflict. Of these, 88 are located in Chad and 13 in Sudan.
On April 15, 2023, armed conflict erupted between the Sudanese military and the rapid support force, a paramilitary group, in the capital, Khartoum. The fighting subsequently spread to other areas. The nearly three-year-long armed conflict has resulted in numerous civilian deaths and displacements. (End)
