European countries outraged over the attack on Al Daein
Members of the Coalition for the Prevention of Atrocities and Promotion of Justice in Sudan (Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom) expressed their collective outrage and deep sorrow over the killing of civilians following strikes carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces drone, targeting Al-Daein Teaching Hospital during Eid al-fitr on (March 20th, 2026).
In a statement, the Coalition noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) reported at least (64) deaths; (16) of whom are children. Furthermore, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that one doctor was killed and amongst -at least- (89) people wounded in the attack, eight are health workers. As a result, the hospital’s emergency, maternity, and pediatric units were forced to close. Tragically, this further restricts access to much-needed healthcare for many in the region.
The Coalition further described the attack as unacceptable and outrageous, not an isolated incident. For there is a clear pattern of attacks targeting protected persons and objects in armed conflict, with a devastating impact on innocent civilians.
The statement referenced a report published by the World Health Organization, sharing that (2,036 people) have been killed in attacks on health facilities following the outbreak of the armed conflict. Moreover, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) noted that more than (500 civilians) were killed in drone strikes between January 1st and March 15th, 2026, which, in turn, highlights a significant increase compared to previous months. Naturally, the aforementioned attacks impede humanitarian as well as healthcare operations and disrupt vital livelihood activities and markets. Hence, further exacerbating the already dire food insecurity situation in parts of the country.
The Concerns
The Coalition emphasized that these attacks raise serious concerns about compliance with the fundamental rules and requirements of International Humanitarian Law regarding distinction, precautions, and proportionality, and may amount to war crimes. Therefore, accountability ought to be taken into account.
In addition, the Coalition called on all parties to the armed conflict to fulfill their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. This includes working with all humanitarian actors to enable safe, rapid, and unimpeded access, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2736. It also urged all parties to put forth more efforts to protect civilians, stressing that the manner in which wars are conducted is rather crucial. The member States called on all parties to provide full access for additional international justice mechanisms to the affected areas and populations.
“Those who facilitate the committance of such violations through arms transfers, including drones, ought to understand the consequences of their actions on the Sudanese civilians,” the Coalition noted. Further stating that: “This armed conflict must end. We call on all parties to engage in dialogue -in good faith. For the people of Sudan desperately need and deserve peace.”
