Over 8 million children in Sudan deprived of education due to war: UK child rights organisation

London: The British charity organisation,Save the Childrenhas warned that the ongoing war in Sudan has deprived over 8 million children of education,...

London: The British charity organisation, Save the Children has warned that the ongoing war in Sudan has deprived over 8 million children of education, describing it as the longest school closure period in the world.

In a statement on Thursday, the global child rights organisation said that more than 8 million children, nearly half of the school-age population in the country, have gone 484 days without attending a single class. This period surpasses even the school closures experienced worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisation highlighted that Sudan is currently facing one of the world's worst education crises, noting that large numbers of schools have been completely shut down, while others have been destroyed or converted into shelters for displaced persons.

Save the Children also pointed out that the Darfur region, largely under the control of the Rapid Support Forces, has been hit the hardest, with only 3% of over 1,100 schools in North Darfur currently operating. Many teachers have been forced to leave their jobs due to suspended salaries, further exacerbating the collapse of the education system.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict for nearly three years between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of at least 11 million people, most of whom are living in overcrowded shelters.