UN Condemns Attacks on Aid Workers and Urges Justice in Sudan Crisis
The United Nations confirms that António Guterres, the Secretary-General, has called for accountability for the deaths of three World Food Programme (WFP) workers in Sudan. The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that those responsible for these fatalities must face justice promptly. This appeal follows the latest developments in the conflict that has gripped parts of Sudan and affects humanitarian operations across the country.
Officials emphasize that the Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by the ongoing hostilities between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The clashes have not only endangered communities but also jeopardized essential aid deliveries. Dujarric condemned the loss of civilian life in North Darfur, underscoring the urgent need to protect humanitarian personnel who are striving to reach those in need under dangerous conditions. The three WFP staff members who were killed, along with two others who were injured, are being remembered for their dedication to alleviating hunger and suffering in a region enduring severe disruption and insecurity.
The call for accountability is framed within a broader commitment to safeguarding humanitarian operations and the people who rely on them. The UN notes that perpetrators of violence against aid workers must be held to account without delay, to deter further attacks and to uphold international humanitarian norms. This stance reflects the United Nations’ ongoing focus on protecting humanitarian workers who operate in high-risk environments, often with limited access and under constant threat of harm.
In related reporting, prior assessments have highlighted the fragile security situation affecting aid efforts in Sudan, where the conflict or related violence has repeatedly interrupted relief programs. The UN emphasizes the necessity of secure access for humanitarian missions, while also calling for respect for international legal standards that protect civilians and aid personnel. The international community continues to monitor the evolving situation and remains ready to support relief operations that aim to prevent additional loss of life and to stabilize communities caught in the turmoil.
Separately, earlier updates noted that in January, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented fatalities among humanitarian workers and civilians in a separate incident in South Sudan, underscoring a broader pattern of violence that threatens relief work across the region. The UN reiterates its commitment to delivering aid to those in need, regardless of the political or military challenges, while pressing for accountability and safer conditions for all workers who undertake critical missions in volatile environments.