The United Nations has said it is appalled by an attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in Al Fasher, North Darfur State, in Sudan, on January 24, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 70 patients and their relatives, and wounded dozens others.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said in a press release that the attack was a shocking violation of international humanitarian law.
“I condemn it in the strongest terms,” she said.
Nkweta-Salami sent her condolences to all the affected families and expressed the solidarity of the humanitarian community in Sudan with them and all the people affected by the ongoing conflict.
The attack on the only functional hospital in Al Fasher, was reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Nkweta-Salami said the alarming disregard for human life was unacceptable.
“Hospitals and medical facilities should never be targeted. These institutions are sanctuaries of life, healing and hope, and their destruction is an affront to our shared humanity,” she asserted.
The UN representative urged all sides to the conflict to adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights laws.
“I remind them that the protection of civilians, innocent children, women and men caught up in the conflict is a fundamental obligation.”
She also renewed the call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.