2,042 killed in attacks on health care in Sudan conflict

At least 2,042 people have been killed and 785 injured in 214 attacks on health care facilities in Sudan since the conflict broke out nearly three years ago, two UN agencies said Saturday.

In a joint statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said 184 deaths and 295 injuries occurred in the first quarter of this year alone, expressing concern over the growing scale and frequency of such attacks in conflict-affected areas.

WHO Representative to Sudan Shible Sahbani stressed that the attacks further restrict access to health care at a time when it is needed most, calling for the protection of patients and health workers.

UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett said attacks on hospitals "are a grave violation of children's rights," adding that they deprive children of critical services and protection during vulnerable moments.

The agencies said attacks on health facilities, staff, and patients violate international humanitarian law and deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis. They called on all parties to respect and protect health care, ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers, and allow sustained access to essential services.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023 has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, according to international organizations.

2,042 killed in attacks on health care in Sudan conflict

2,042 killed in attacks on health care in Sudan conflict

An endangered Indochinese gray langur has been captured on infrared camera in a nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, highlighting continued improvement in the area's biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Reserve staff recently discovered the footage while reviewing camera-trap data collected in a provincial nature reserve in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, Pu'er City.

The video shows the langur climbing onto vine-covered branches with its long tail hanging below before pausing to scan its surroundings. After confirming the area was safe, the animal relaxed and remained perched in the forest canopy.

The Indochinese gray langur is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is under China's first-class state protection.

Local authorities say strengthened habitat protection and management in recent years have steadily improved the local ecological environment. In addition to the rare langur, other protected wildlife, such as slow lorises, silver pheasants and red junglefowl, have also been recorded in the reserve, reflecting the recovery of local biodiversity.

Rare Indochinese grey langur spotted in Yunnan nature reserve