Washington, DC - The United States strongly condemns the January 20 aerial bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) hospital in Frandala, Southern Kordofan by the Sudan Armed Forces. Targeted attacks by the Government of Sudan against civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict zones demonstrate the government’s disregard for the wellbeing of its people and its international obligations.

Increased government military activity in 2014 resulted in a sharp escalation in civilian casualties, increased displacement, damage to public infrastructure, prevention of agricultural production, and exacerbation of an already critical humanitarian situation. The humanitarian crisis affects more than 1.7 million people and has caused nearly 265,000 Sudanese refugees to flee to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

The United States reiterates its call upon the Government of Sudan to halt its campaigns of armed violence against its own citizens. These attacks further undermine the enormous humanitarian response needed to support those who require basic life-saving services. The United States remains committed to the people of Sudan and is providing more than $297.5 million in humanitarian support in fiscal year 2014 and 2015 to date.