Sudan: Drones and Drought in Sudan - a Combined Assault On Children Like Nothing Seen Before

What the report says

UNICEF said in a Geneva briefing that children in Sudan are facing a severe combined crisis as drone strikes and drought compound the effects of war and displacement. The remarks were delivered by UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, and the account was later distributed by AllAfrica. According to the briefing, attacks on power stations and other civilian infrastructure have spread across Sudan, while dry conditions are also threatening agriculture and basic services.

UNICEF said the damage to the electricity grid is disrupting water pumps, water treatment, health facilities and vaccine storage, while fuel shortages and insecurity are making it harder for families to access food and other essentials. The agency warned that these pressures are contributing to disease risks, worsening malnutrition and rising food insecurity, especially for children and displaced families. It also said many areas have already missed the planting window for the next cereal harvest, increasing concern about future shortages.

The report highlighted the scale of child suffering in the country, including severe acute malnutrition among young children and injuries caused by drones. It also described UNICEF’s ongoing assistance, including treatment for malnutrition, health care, vaccinations, water-system repairs, learning support and psychosocial services, though the agency said its response remains underfunded.

UNICEF called for an end to attacks on children and civilian infrastructure, safer humanitarian access and more sustained funding. The message was that Sudan’s children are being hit by conflict and drought at the same time, with basic needs such as safety, water and education increasingly at risk.