The UN Women on Tuesday condemned a drone attack on a displacement site in Wad Al-Mahi, Blue Nile State, Sudan, which reportedly killed women and children.

The organisation in a statement said the Friday attack injured dozens of people.

“The attack comes amid escalating violence in Blue Nile State and a broader increase in drone strikes across Sudan.

“The growing frequency of these attacks is increasing the exposure of civilians, particularly women and girls, to the risk of death, injury and further displacement,” the statement said.

The agency said since late September, Wad Al-Mahi experienced large-scale displacement, mostly women and children. 

It noted that among those forced to flee were pregnant women left with no choice but to give birth along the way, without access to medical assistance. 

“Displacement puts women and girls at an even greater risk of violence and exploitation, deepens poverty, and reduces their access to food and essential services.

“Women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of caring for children, older persons and injured family members while struggling to secure food, water, shelter and health care under increasingly difficult conditions,” it said. 

The agency said attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop, adding that international humanitarian law must be respected. 

The organisation called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the attack and to hold those responsible accountable.

“Women and girls in Sudan deserve safety, dignity and protection. Their rights, needs and leadership must remain at the centre of humanitarian action, recovery efforts and peacebuilding initiatives,” the group stated.