Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the killing of “60” people in a drone strike that struck El-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur State in Sudan on 20 March.
A statement attributable to the Spox for the Secretary-General on un.org reads: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of at least 60 people, including children and health workers, in a drone strike hitting the El-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur State on 20 March.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed over “200” attacks against health facilities in the North African country since April, 2023.
The statement also reads: “Since April 2023, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks harming health facilities in Sudan, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths.
“The Secretary-General demands that all parties abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, which specifically protects medical personnel and facilities and prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects.”
Gutterres called on all parties to de-escalate with immediate effect and cease hostilities.
The Statement made known, the UN is ready to take “genuine steps” to put to an end the fighting in Sudan, as well as, make way for peace that is “durable”.
The Statement further reads: “The Secretary-General calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate the fighting and agree on a cessation of hostilities.
“The United Nations stands ready to support genuine steps to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path towards a durable peace.”
The war in Sudan started in April 2023, when a power tussle over the integration of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the Sudanese army escalated.
Photo: Thousands of displaced people from Darfur live at Al Afad refugee camp. In the photo, displaced women at a refugee camp | Muhammed Emin Canik/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
