The incident took place on December 19 when the field office in Yabus, located in Sudan’s Blue Nile province, came under aerial bombardment.
In this incident, the head of the office, program assistant and security guard engaged in the front line of helping the helpless in the country’s hunger crisis lost their lives.
The UN Secretary-General expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and colleagues of the UN Food Agency.
World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement that efforts are being made to determine the circumstances under which the incident occurred. He demanded a detailed investigation and accountability of the culprits.
According to the WFP chief, his organization is committed to providing humanitarian assistance in Sudan, including Blue Nile State, and will continue to provide food and nutrition assistance wherever needed.
He condemned all attacks on UN personnel, humanitarian aid workers and facilities and demanded a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between rival militaries since April last year. More than 1.2 crore people, nearly a quarter of the country’s population, have been displaced, of which 3.2 lakh have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Fierce fighting continues in densely populated areas of many cities, resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties and damage to health centers, schools and other infrastructure.
Outbreaks of cholera and other deadly diseases are on the rise and millions of people are facing severe hunger and malnutrition.
fatal year
According to Secretary-General Guterres, Thursday’s incident highlighted the profound impact of Sudan’s brutal conflict on millions of people in need and the aid workers trying to reach them.
2024 is set to be the deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers in Sudan, according to the UN chief. A UN humanitarian worker was killed in El Fasher last month.
Nevertheless, UN aid workers are doing their best to reach the local population despite threats to their security.
The UN chief has again called for an agreement on a ceasefire in the wake of the 20-month-long violent conflict in Sudan. He said the United Nations would continue to support international mediation efforts and efforts to end the war with all parties.
He appealed to all parties to fulfill their responsibilities to protect civilians, including humanitarian aid workers, and warned that the targeting of humanitarian facilities and aid delivery must stop.
Displaced people from Sudan are coming to South Sudan.
A deepening humanitarian crisis
Meanwhile, UN agencies have warned that fierce fighting in the area around Al Fashar and the refugee crisis on the border with South Sudan are worsening.
The Office of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) reports a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Al Fashar, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state.
The city has been under siege for the past seven months by RSF fighters, who have clashed with the Sudanese armed forces. The use of explosive weapons in residential areas trapped thousands of civilians, killing at least 782 and injuring more than a thousand.
This report is based on conversations with people who fled Al Fashar for their lives in October and November.
According to reports, basic facilities including hospitals and camps for internally displaced persons are being targeted, incidents of sexual violence have occurred and the situation is likely to worsen in the coming days.