Toronto, ON, March 12, 2026 – A drone attack hit a school in Shukeiri village, Sudan on Wednesday, killing 17 people, mostly schoolgirls. Other civilian infrastructure, including a health centre, has come under fire in recent days.

In response to the recent attacks in Shukeiri, Mohamed Kamal, Plan International Sudan’s Country Director said:

“Schools must never be targets. Whether in Sudan, Ukraine or Iran, children are dying in classrooms worldwide – a fundamental right that warring parties are bound to protect. These violations must end.

We are witnessing a dangerous shift: the lines between military targets and civilian life have blurred.

The attack on the village of Shukeiri highlights the urgent protection crisis facing children in Sudan. They are not safe in their villages, in their schools, or even in the places where they go for medical treatment. This must end.

These attacks confirm that girls and boys are living in a state of fear and near-total isolation. If children are not safe in their villages, if they cannot go to school without fear of drone strikes, and if healthcare is disrupted because healthcare workers are targeted, then an entire generation is being systematically robbed of its future.

The children of Shukeiri village have the right to learn and live in safety.

Plan International is calling for the immediate protection of children and civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law. All parties to the conflict must distinguish between military targets and civilian facilities, including homes, schools and health facilities.

We call for safe access to education and healthcare, with immediate guarantees that students, teachers, and medical personnel can carry out their essential roles without fear of attack.

We are also calling for unhindered humanitarian access to reach affected communities in White Nile State with life-saving assistance, including medical care, safe spaces and emotional and social support for children who have survived unthinkable violence.”

---

Children never start wars, but they suffer the most. To support children experiencing war or other crises, please visit plancanada.ca/donate/children-in-crisis.

---

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and for children for over 85 years and is active in more than 80 countries.

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

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

Media contact

Plan International Canada
PR & Communications
PRteam@plancanada.ca