Developments in the Sudan

The information below is based on the 2009 report of the Secretary General to the Security Council (A/63/785-S/2009/158) issued on 26 March 2009. More information is available in the report.

In southern Sudan, the United Nations confirmed the recruitment and use of 101 children by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). More children are present in SPLA, although the exact numbers cannot be determined prior to the completion of the registration exercise currently under way.

The United Nations reported the recruitment and use of 487 children by various armed forces and groups operating in all three Darfur states, with a majority taking place in the state of Western Darfur. The fragmentation and proliferation of opposition armed groups have created fertile ground for recruitment, with over 14 Sudanese and foreign armed forces and groups identified in Darfur for recruiting and using children.

Sexual violence continues to be a major concern in Darfur, where the United Nations verified cases of 53 children, the youngest being 6 years old, who were raped by armed elements. One third of the cases occurred within the vicinity of internally displaced persons camps. Perpetrators were identified by witnesses or victims as Government forces, including the Border Intelligence Force, the Central Reserve Police, SAF, police forces and militias supported by the Government.

United Nations monitors reported the killings of 42 children and injuries to 20 children across Darfur, mainly during attacks on villages, market places and internally displaced persons camps, or during clashes between different armed groups. The perpetrators include Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Central Reserve Police and police forces, as well as armed groups such as JEM, SLA/Unity, SLA/Minnawi, militias supported by the Government, Chadian opposition groups and tribal groups.

All attacks on schools or hospitals in Darfur occurred during ground attacks or clashes between different armed groups. Most lootings of schools and hospitals occurred in Western Darfur, including by SAF and militias supported by the Government.

The reporting period was marked by a substantial increase in attacks against humanitarian workers and premises in Darfur. Despite the extension of the moratorium on restrictions, the humanitarian community continues to face Government restrictions, such as delays and denials of work permits for international NGO staff, as well as access impediments for humanitarian missions in the field.

Press Releases by the Special Representative:
Press Statement following the meetings of the Working Group by Ambassador de la Sablière, Permanent Representative of France to the UN and Chairman of the Working Group.