At least 12 children have reportedly been killed in separate attacks in Sudan's West Kordofan and Khartoum states in recent days, according to UNICEF. 

The UN children's agency said nine children, aged between five and 10, were killed on Saturday, October 17, in an attack on a camp for displaced families east of Sanakit in West Kordofan.

On Monday, October 19, an armed drone struck a residential area in Khartoum, reportedly killing three children aged between two and six, along with their father.

"Families in Sudan are doing everything they can to keep their children safe, whether by fleeing or by going home. Neither is protecting them," said Angela Kearney, UNICEF's acting representative in Sudan.

She called on all parties to the conflict to protect children wherever they are.

Children across Sudan continue to face deadly violence amid a conflict that has lasted more than three years. Many families have been displaced, while others have returned to their homes despite continuing insecurity.

UNICEF urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The agency stressed that children must be protected at all times, regardless of where they live or seek shelter.