Statement on the reported massacre at El Fasher Maternity Hospital, North Darfur, Sudan by UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita

I condemn the shocking attack carried out at El Fasher Maternity Hospital in North Darfur, where at least 460 patients and their families were reportedly killed, after the seizure of the city by the Rapid Support Forces. To kill women as they prepare to bring new life into the world is an unspeakable atrocity.

The world must not stand silent. Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries of healing and hope, have been turned into scenes of mass killing and despair. This facility, the last partially functioning hospital in the capital and a critical lifeline for women, has been repeatedly attacked, and its health workers abducted in recent weeks.

International humanitarian law is clear: patients, health professionals and medical facilities must be protected.

UNFPA calls on those with influence to stop the violence and hold alleged perpetrators to account for these egregious violations and abuses. We call for the protection of all civilians, including humanitarian and health workers, and for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access so that life-saving aid can be delivered to those in desperate need.