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
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini visited the world's first embodied intelligence robot 4S store, known as Robot Mall, at Beijing E-Town on Tuesday.
Pellegrini is paying a state visit to China from July 27 to 29 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He toured highlights of this year's Humanoid Robot Half Marathon Competition and interacted with humanoid and medical robots during a stop at Robot Mall.
Expressing amazement at China's robotics achievements, the Slovak president said he believes the cutting-edge technology showcased at the venue will find its way into households in the near future.
Robot Mall is designed to support the transition of robotics from technological innovation to real-world application. Its exhibition highlights how robots are entering homes and industrial scenarios, including education, delivery, companionship, entertainment, and daily services. When touring the exhibition, Pellegrini also shared his views on China-Slovakia cooperation in cutting-edge technologies.
"Slovakia is a small country, but things which are developed in China can be used already in Slovakia. So I think we have to find a way how to implement them as soon as possible into our daily life, into our companies and so on," he said.
Chinese investment in Slovakia has continued to grow in recent years, particularly in high-tech industries, green energy, and innovation-driven sectors.
Analysts say closer cooperation in modern technology and research will remain a key topic during his visit to China.
Slovak President visits robot mall at Beijing E-Town
Slovak President visits robot mall at Beijing E-Town
