SW News: The spiraling violence in Sudan has put millions of children and their families at risk, says the United Nations Children’s Agency, UNICEF. The United Nations has warned that despite the truce agreement, the fighting is escalating in the capital Khartoum, as rival forces are trying to gain the upper hand ahead of the proposed negotiations.

Reportedly, the Sudanese army engaged in fierce combat to drive the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) out of their positions close to central Khartoum. The unexpected escalation of hostilities has resulted in hundreds of deaths, including humanitarian catastrophe, refugee exodus to neighboring states, and risks involving foreign powers, in turn destabilizing a volatile region.

Meanwhile, as the conflict enters its third week, UNICEF says the children are the main victims. The organization has been calling the parties to ensure children were not harmed. They also urged the fighting factions to stop attacking health centers, schools, and water stations.

In a statement decrying the children’s situation in the country, UNICEF Executive Director said that children are most vulnerable in a conflict situation and care must be given to them. “The situation in Sudan is teetering toward catastrophe, and children are increasingly caught in the crossfire,” said Catherine Russell.

The rights groups further called for safe passage for children and their families trapped in the conflict-affected regions. They are providing life-saving supplies and services to those trapped. However, the group also decried the attacks against the aid workers, the facilities, and the supplies being looted. They further urged the warring parties to adhere to international law so that the workers could safely operate on the ground and assist the people in need.

Attacks, according to UNICEF, have made it more challenging to help children around the country. Since the violence began on April 15, there have been reports of 190 children killed and 1,700 injured.