West Darfur: Health workers, children and 200 killed in ‘senseless and brutal attacks’ |

In the past six days alone, some 200 civilians have been killed in renewed clashes between the Rzeigat Arab communities and the African Masalites around the city of Kereneik.

Two medical facilities were also attacked and thousands of displaced people took refuge in the city’s military compound.

“WHO joins with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other humanitarian agencies and partners in calling for an immediate end to these senseless and brutal attacks against civilians, health workers and medical facilities,said Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Respect medical workers, institutions

Two medical workers were killed when gunmen attacked two hospitals in Kerenick and the state capital El Geneina over the weekend.

The WHO said the attacks were serious violation of international lawand called for the neutrality of medical professionals, healthcare facilities and patients.

The UN agency added that during the holy month of Ramadan, parties to conflict must respect the core values ​​of mercy, respect, trust and solidarity.

“Medical workers providing life-saving care to wounded civilians are already overburdened and should not be at risk of intimidation or attack,” said Dr. Al-Mandhari.

“Children are not a target”

At least 21 children, including an 11-month-old infant, have been killed in the violence, according to the UN Children’s Fund.UNICEF) said on Thursday.

Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, underlined that “children are not targets” in hostilities.

“Killing children is a gross violation of their rights. Nothing justifies killing children. We reiterate our call for peace and call on the Sudanese authorities to always protect children in Darfur and throughout Sudan from harm and violence. she said.

Investigate attacks

Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation attacks and called on the Sudanese authorities to take urgent action to prevent further outbreaks of intercommunal violence in Western Darfur.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, Michelle Bachelet was appalled by reports of killings, injuries and displacement.

“I am concerned that recurring serious incidents of communal violence with mass casualties continue to occur in this region.. While the initial steps taken by the authorities to reduce tensions are welcome, I call on the authorities to address the root causes of violence in this region and fulfill their responsibility to protect the population.”she said.

Ms Bachelet called for immediate action, including helping the wounded and facilitating humanitarian relief for the displaced.

“I call on the Sudanese authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial and independent investigation into these attacks and bring all those responsible to justice in accordance with international human rights law. Victims and their families are entitled to effective remedies,” she said.

According to her Office, the human rights situation in Sudan has continued to deteriorate since the October 2021 military coup.

The High Commissioner urged the Sudanese authorities to take credible steps to create conditions conducive to a comprehensive political settlement that would put the democratic transition back on track.