Toronto, ON, April 14, 2025 – Dozens of people have been killed in Zamzam camp in North Darfur following intense fighting this weekend. The seizing of the camp by armed parties also saw aid organizations targeted, and humanitarian workers killed. Zamzam camp and neighbouring Abu Shouk camp provide shelter for more than 700,000 displaced people – the majority of whom are women and children.

The attack is part of a significant escalation in violence around the area of Al Fasher, the state capital of North Darfur where armed parties are fighting for control. There are fears that this phase of intense fighting could put hundreds of thousands of civilians, including children and women, at grave risk in North Darfur. The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on April 12, 2025, that 60% of people in Al Fasher are projected to face acute hunger in the coming months.

Mohamed Kamal, Sudan Country Director for Plan International, said:

“The appalling killing of civilians and aid workers in a camp where people, including children, are already fighting for survival from famine is a devastating development in Sudan. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms and stand with the loved ones and colleagues of those murdered.

“The international community must also unite to condemn these brutal attacks – even in the most complex of conflicts, there are rules. The perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law must not be allowed to operate with impunity.

“This growing violence in North Darfur is driving hundreds of thousands of people to flee yet again. Most of those people are women and children who are facing many grave risks – including starvation.

“Tomorrow sees the arrival of a grim milestone in Sudan – two years of grueling conflict. We are at a critical moment right now – with famine already affecting 25 million people, increasing violence sweeping homes and camps, and a health system that has collapsed.

“Action must be taken to protect people and provide safe access for humanitarians in order to deliver life-saving support. Without this, the consequences for children and all civilians are catastrophic.”

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We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

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