19 million Sudanese children out of school due to conflict

Of the 19 million children affected, about 6.5 million are out of school due to increased violence and insecurity in their regions, with at least 10,400 schools closed in conflict-affected areas, the two aid agencies said in a joint press release. Meanwhile, more than 5.5 million children living in less affected areas are waiting for local authorities to confirm whether classes can resume.

Sudan has 23 million children, nearly half of the country’s population. Even before the conflict erupted on April 15, nearly 7 million children were out of school. UNICEF and Save the Children warn that if the war continues, no children in Sudan will be able to return to school in the coming months, leaving them at immediate and long-term risk of displacement, recruitment into armed groups and sexual violence.

Spending on social services has plummeted, leaving teachers in most states without salaries since the outbreak of armed conflict. School supplies are in short supply and facilities are under-maintained. While some areas are working to ensure that Sudan’s education system remains operational, there are significant constraints and demand is rapidly outstripping resources, according to the two organizations.

UNICEF and Save the Children call on the Sudanese authorities to reopen schools in safe areas, while supporting alternative learning methods in communities where schools cannot open due to safety and security concerns.

The two organizations also called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Sudanese children and provide the necessary resources and support to ensure millions of Sudanese children can return to school and ensure that conflict-affected children have access to learning opportunities and psychosocial support in safe spaces.