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Spread of Fighting in Sudan Displaces 150,000 Children, UNICEF Says

by VOA News

   The spread of fighting in southeastern Sudan has forced humanitarian
   groups to temporarily suspend operations in some areas, while UNICEF
   expressed concern about millions of children at risk amid escalating
   violence.

   UNICEF said Thursday at least 150,000 children have been forced from
   their homes during the past week in Jazeera state, located southeast of
   Khartoum, Sudan's capital.

   The development came as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced
   they had taken control of Wad Medani from the army.

   UNICEF said in a statement that Wad Medani is a key hub of resources in
   the region and was hosting hundreds of thousands of children who had
   already fled from other parts of Sudan.

   "This new wave of violence could leave children and families trapped
   between fighting lines or caught in the crossfire, with fatal
   consequences," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. "With
   reports of renewed fighting elsewhere in the country, millions of
   children in Sudan are once again at grave risk."

   The World Food Program also said its operations were being affected by
   the spread of fighting, announcing a temporary suspension of food
   assistance in parts of Jazeera.

   "The safety of humanitarian staff, supplies and premises is paramount
   and must be ensured no matter the circumstances. We urge all parties to
   adhere to their obligations under International Humanitarian Law for
   the sake of innocent civilians who so desperately need support," Eddie
   Rowe, WFP representative and country director in Sudan, said in a
   statement.

   Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and
   Agence France-Presse