Sudan Human Rights Network (SHRN) strongly condemns the incident in which a humanitarian convoy belonging to the World Food Program (WFP) came under attack near the town of Mellit in North Darfur State, on Wednesday morning, August 20, 2025. Targeting or obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and exacerbates the suffering of thousands of citizens affected by the conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Civilians in North Darfur are enduring dire humanitarian conditions marked by mass displacement, food shortages, and a lack of essential healthcare. This makes the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance critical to saving lives.
SHRN affirms that the protection of humanitarian workers and the guarantee of unhindered access to aid for those in need are both a legal and moral obligation upon all warring parties, as enshrined in international treaties and conventions. The network further calls on both parties to exert additional efforts to ensure the timely delivery of aid to affected civilians.
SHRN urges the immediate launch of a transparent investigation into the incident and the accountability of those responsible. It also calls on all armed actors to respect the neutrality and independence of humanitarian work and to facilitate the safe passage of relief convoys without discrimination.
Any attack or threat to humanitarian aid in Darfur will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and widen the circle of hunger and deprivation in Sudan, where nearly half of the population of approximately 50 million is already within that circle.
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