Darfur violence threatens entire region – UN refugee chief

Sept 8, 2006 (GENEVA) — Worsening violence in Sudan’s conflict-ravaged region of Darfur is threatening the entire region, the United Nations’ refugee chief said Friday, warning that Sudanese troops could be preparing for a major military offensive that would lead to many more people being uprooted from their homes.

“Millions of people are already at grave risk,” Antonio Guterres, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, said in a statement.

“Hundreds are still dying amid ongoing violence, and thousands are still being forcibly displaced. Urgent international action is needed to put pressure on the parties to the conflict and to convince everyone involved on the ground to let humanitarian agencies safely carry out their work.

“Lives depend on it. If things don’t improve, we’re heading for a major catastrophe,” he said.

(AP/ST)