UN urges humanitarian access to Darfuris affected by recent fighting
September 19, 2008 (ELFASHER) — The United Nations Today called on the Sudanese government and Darfur rebel movements to cease fighting and requested humanitarian access to civilians in the affected area in northern Darfur.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms Ameerah Haq on Friday expressed deep concerns over the humanitarian situation in Darfur after the continued fighting between the Government of Sudan and the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) factions.
The Coordinator Hag stressed that Sudanese government and rebels have the responsibility to protect civilians. She warned against incursions by Sudanese troops into Zam Zam internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp earlier this week and urged restraint by all the parties.
Haq said in a statement released following a one day visit to Al-Fasher yesterday September 18 that “Thousands are reported to be newly displaced by the fighting but figures are unconfirmed.”
She also said the fighting have severely restricted the access of aid convoys and workers to multiple locations in the war torn region.
Last week, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes called for all sides in the Darfur conflict to cease hostilities immediately and engage in meaningful talks towards a lasting settlement.
His comments follows reports from rebels and IDPs that Sudanese Government forces launched sustained aerial bombardments over the past week near the villages of Birmaza and Disa in North Darfur state.
The hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur, which has so far reached less than half of its 26,000 authorized troops, has not yet established a presence in the area of the latest clashes.
According to the UN estimations around 300,000 people were killed in five year conflict. more than 2,2 million fled their homes since the conflict erupted in February 2003. Sudan says 10,000 have been killed.
(ST)