Toronto, ON, June 23, 2026 – Plan International calls for the protection of girls, children and all civilians as the United Nations issues an urgent warning of an imminent ground offensive in El Obeid, the capital of Sudan’s North Kordofan state.

In Sudan’s ongoing conflict, girls are already at a breaking point -- facing more violence, being forced into early and child marriage, losing their homes and being pulled out of school. A new escalation now risks worsening the crisis in El Obeid, a city that has become a refuge for children and families fleeing violence.

“When conflict escalates, girls pay a terrible price,” said Mohamed Kamal, Country Director for Plan International Sudan. “We cannot allow another crisis where their rights, safety and futures are ignored.”

Recent attacks in El Obeid have already killed and injured civilians, while the broader conflict over the past three years has displaced more than 11 million people across Sudan.

For girls, displacement often means increased exposure to violence and exploitation. They also struggle to access basic needs such as healthcare, clean water and shelter.

Plan International is calling for immediate, coordinated action to:

• Protect girls, children and all civilians and uphold their rights in line with international humanitarian law
• Prevent and respond to gender-based violence, which continues to be used as a weapon of war
• Ensure safe access to critical aid and services tailored to girls’ needs
• Guarantee safe routes for families fleeing violence
• Include girls and young women in peace efforts, recognizing their role in shaping lasting solutions

The international community must act immediately to prevent further violence and protect those most at risk.

Children never start wars, but they suffer the most. To support children affected by war in Sudan and other global crises, 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.

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