UN urges Darfur rebel SLA to halt attacks on aid workers
April 29, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — UN envoy to Sudan urged Darfur rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) to stop attacking UN aid workers and humanitarian NGOs in Sudan’s troubled Darfur.
In a press statement, the Special Representative of UN secretary-general to Sudan, Jan Pronk appealed to the SLM/A to take all necessary steps to assure the safety of humanitarian personnel and property in areas under their control and the consistent implementation of agreements.
According to the statement the rebel SLM/A troops use the hijacked vehicles for military purposes. “This is unacceptable and contrary to International Humanitarian Law”.
Pronk warned the rebel group to stop relief operations to areas under SLM/A control “Unless these attacks and harassment stop immediately, the UN and its partners will be obliged to suspend all relief assistance to this particular area till effective safety for humanitarian personnel and assets is guaranteed” the statement said
Over the past few weeks aid workers operating for NGOs and UN agencies have come under continuous attacks and harassment by armed groups in the area of Shangil Toboya, Tawilah and Kutum in North Darfur.
Several reports indicate that many of these attacks have been waged by SLA factions. Armed robbery and hijackings have endangered humanitarian workers assisting over 450,000 vulnerable people living in the area.
“The UN will hold responsible the armed groups, including those related to the SLA, and their leaders, for the failure to assist the extremely vulnerable populations under their control.”
(ST)