Sudan security situation update

SOS Children’s Villages strongly condemns the forceful incursion into a humanitarian organization serving children without parental care.

SOS Children's Villages’ facility in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, has been forcefully taken over by armed forces on April 17, 2023, obliging the organization to immediately evacuate children and young people under its care, and staff members due to safety concerns. SOS Children’s Villages calls upon the forces to immediately vacate the organization's premises and allow children, young people and families to thrive peacefully with care and support.  

“SOS Children’s Villages calls upon both sides to unconditionally adhere to international humanitarian laws and principles and allow the organization to continue its vital services to the most vulnerable children and families under its care,” says Senait Gebregziabher, International Director for SOS Children’s Villages in Eastern and Southern Africa. 

The organization has been serving children, young people and families in the country for over 40 years, guided by the high humanitarian standards and principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.

SOS Children’s Villages safely evacuated, without any incidents, 68 children, 11 care providers and eight staff members to temporary residential facilities. The organization is also working to provide essential supplies, mental health and financial support to all the relocated children, young people, care providers and staff. 

According to the UN, as much of the fighting is within the heavily populated city of Khartoum, artillery shelling, airstrikes and the use of other heavy weapons has exposed considerable number of civilians, particularly children and families, to an increased risk of death and injury.