UNICEF condemns targeting of civilian facilities in El Fasher

September 23, 2025 (PEN) The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) condemned the attack on a mosque in the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons in El Fasher, describing it as "horrific and unacceptable."

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell confirmed in a statement on Monday that children in El Fasher have been exposed to a siege that has lasted for more than 500 days, undermining their access to food, clean water, and healthcare.

She noted that a drone struck a UNICEF-supported water tanker the day before yesterday while it was delivering clean water to 8,500 displaced people and hospital patients. She noted that such attacks cut off families from safe drinking water at a time when malnutrition and disease are on the rise among children.

Russell called on all parties to the conflict to end attacks on children's homes and schools, which are protected under international humanitarian law, and called for a prompt and comprehensive investigation into these atrocities and for those responsible to be held fully accountable.