Rising Cases of Child Disappearances Raise Alarm in Sudan

Rising Cases of Child Disappearances Raise Alarm in Sudan
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A human rights group has warned of a growing number of child disappearances in Sudan, amid limited transparency from authorities and scarce public access to investigation results. The Emergency Lawyers’ Association reported that September saw over 40 cases in the eastern and northern states, including Red Sea, Gedaref, and Nile, while hundreds of complaints from families and citizens highlight widespread public concern.

The association noted recurring patterns of children being targeted in areas with limited security oversight, cautioning that criminal networks or groups involved in exploitation or human trafficking may be responsible. Authorities were urged to conduct prompt, transparent investigations and hold accountable anyone found complicit.

The group emphasized that child disappearances constitute a serious crime and pose a significant threat to community safety. Separately, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has previously accused Sudanese military forces and the Rapid Support Forces of recruiting hundreds of children in Darfur and eastern Sudan for active combat operations.