The African Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace (ACRL-RfP) and UNICEF have called for an immediate ceasefire and safe, unhindered humanitarian access in Sudan, warning that children continue to bear the consequences of the country’s prolonged conflict.
The appeal was issued on Monday, September 21, to mark the International Day of Peace, whose 2026 theme is “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
More than three years into the war, children in Sudan have been exposed to violence, displaced with their families, pushed out of school and deprived of essential services, according to the statement issued jointly by the two organisations.
ACRL-RfP and UNICEF said the conflict has also undermined children’s prospects for the future, stressing that peace would allow them to recover, return to learning and rebuild their lives.
“Peace means upholding every child’s right to a dignified future,” the organisations said, adding that stability would give children the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Call for immediate action
The organisations urged all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
They also called on the warring parties to take all possible measures to protect children from harm.
“Without a lasting resolution, the situation for children in Sudan will only worsen,” the organisations warned, while stressing that peace could restore children’s right to survive and thrive.
The appeal comes as Sudan’s conflict continues to generate widespread humanitarian needs, with children among those most affected by displacement, disruption to education and limited access to essential services.
Role of religious leaders
The ACRL-RfP is a continental coalition of faith organisations, communities and religious leaders working to advance peace, sustainable development and shared wellbeing across Africa.
The council has previously partnered with UNICEF on issues affecting children across Eastern and Southern Africa, including immunisation, female genital mutilation and child marriage.
The organisations’ latest appeal places religious leaders alongside humanitarian actors in calling for greater protection of children and an end to the conflict
