Norway protests against expulsion of relief NGO from Darfur
Dec 8, 2006 (OSLO) — Norway protested to Sudan against the expulsion of the Norwegian Refugee Council from Darfur, Oslo announced Thursday 7 December.
The Sudanese authorities have publicly made serious accusations against the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). “We have no information whatsoever that would indicate that there is any truth to these allegations,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Norway is spearheading a joint protest together with the EU, the USA and Canada.
On 16 November 2006, NRC was officially expelled from South Darfur. This came after the Sudanese authorities had suspended the respected organisation from humanitarian relief operations in Darfur in September without any formal explanation.
Together with other countries and the UN, Norway has been trying for some time to get the Sudanese authorities to reverse their decision. “Our efforts to get the Sudanese authorities to change their mind in this matter have been in vain.”
The NRC was coordinator of the largest camp for internally displaced persons in South Darfur, and was primarily responsible for the protection of vulnerable groups.
“More than half of the population of Darfur is dependent on emergency relief, and the expulsion of the NRC could have serious consequences for many people in South Darfur. It is unacceptable that the Sudanese authorities continue to obstruct humanitarian workers in their efforts to help those in need,” Mr Støre emphasised.
(ST)