Menu
09/06/2004
£15m in aid earmarked for Sudan crisis
The government has announced an extra £15 million to help address the humanitarian emergency in Sudan.
The UN estimates that two million people have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur in western Sudan. Around 130,000 refugees have fled into neighbouring Chad.
The crisis results from fighting between Darfur-based opposition groups and the government of Sudan and its supported militia groups - known more widely as the Janjaweed. Following negotiations brokered by Chad, the two main opposition groups and Sudan's government signed a 45-day ceasefire agreement on 8 April but attacks by the Janjaweed have continued.
Announcing the extra funding, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said that the situation in Sudan was "the most serious humanitarian emergency in the world today".
"We need urgent and decisive action to stop the situation deteriorating," he said.
The Sudanese government has given a firm commitment to fast-track the delivery of assistance, to allow international agencies to set up and bring in food, medicine and vital equipments immediately.
"We will be following up on their effective implementation. Action must also now be taken to bring irregular forces and militias under control."
Hilary Benn has visited three camps for displaced people in Sudan this week and seen some of the humanitarian projects. He has also met UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to hear about the work they are doing.
(gmcg)
The UN estimates that two million people have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur in western Sudan. Around 130,000 refugees have fled into neighbouring Chad.
The crisis results from fighting between Darfur-based opposition groups and the government of Sudan and its supported militia groups - known more widely as the Janjaweed. Following negotiations brokered by Chad, the two main opposition groups and Sudan's government signed a 45-day ceasefire agreement on 8 April but attacks by the Janjaweed have continued.
Announcing the extra funding, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said that the situation in Sudan was "the most serious humanitarian emergency in the world today".
"We need urgent and decisive action to stop the situation deteriorating," he said.
The Sudanese government has given a firm commitment to fast-track the delivery of assistance, to allow international agencies to set up and bring in food, medicine and vital equipments immediately.
"We will be following up on their effective implementation. Action must also now be taken to bring irregular forces and militias under control."
Hilary Benn has visited three camps for displaced people in Sudan this week and seen some of the humanitarian projects. He has also met UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to hear about the work they are doing.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 June 2004
Annan to visit Sudan over humanitarian crisis
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today announced plans to travel to Sudan, after the world body earlier this week accused the Sudanese government of being responsible for the slaughter of dozens of civilians in villages in the Darfur region of the country.
Annan to visit Sudan over humanitarian crisis
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today announced plans to travel to Sudan, after the world body earlier this week accused the Sudanese government of being responsible for the slaughter of dozens of civilians in villages in the Darfur region of the country.
11 November 2004
Government 'concerned' over relocations of Darfur refugees
The government has said that it is "extremely concerned" at the forced relocations of people in camps in Darfur over the past few days.
Government 'concerned' over relocations of Darfur refugees
The government has said that it is "extremely concerned" at the forced relocations of people in camps in Darfur over the past few days.
03 October 2003
Appeal launched to avert 'humanitarian disaster' in Sudan
The UN refugee agency has launched an urgent appeal for $16.6 million to avert a humanitarian disaster on the Chad-Sudan border – where more than 65,000 Sudanese refugees are fleeing fighting.
Appeal launched to avert 'humanitarian disaster' in Sudan
The UN refugee agency has launched an urgent appeal for $16.6 million to avert a humanitarian disaster on the Chad-Sudan border – where more than 65,000 Sudanese refugees are fleeing fighting.
20 July 2004
UN agencies accuse Sudan of forcibly moving refugees
UN humanitarian agencies have accused the Sudanese government of "increasingly pressuring internally displaced people" (IDPs) within the troubled Darfur region to return to their homes, even though the beleaguered civilians remain afraid of militia attacks and security has still not improved.
UN agencies accuse Sudan of forcibly moving refugees
UN humanitarian agencies have accused the Sudanese government of "increasingly pressuring internally displaced people" (IDPs) within the troubled Darfur region to return to their homes, even though the beleaguered civilians remain afraid of militia attacks and security has still not improved.
25 August 2004
Darfur victims are being silenced by Khartoum, says Amnesty
The Sudanese government is silencing the victims of humanitarian abuse in the troubled Darfur region and is not fully following through on commitments to resolve the crisis, according to a leading humanitarian organisation.
Darfur victims are being silenced by Khartoum, says Amnesty
The Sudanese government is silencing the victims of humanitarian abuse in the troubled Darfur region and is not fully following through on commitments to resolve the crisis, according to a leading humanitarian organisation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
