International deal needed to protect refugees – UNHCR chief

Jan 17, 2006 (PARIS) — The head of the U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday that he hopes to “force” the international community to reach a deal on aid for the world’s refugees.

Sudanese refugee family from Darfur stands in the Kounoungo camp in eastern Chad

“We need to guarantee that people who have a right to international protection are protected,” said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Speaking in French to reporters after a meeting with President Jacques Chirac, Guterres said he wanted to “create the conditions to force an agreement between countries,” without elaborating.

The U.N. official expressed particular concern about Sudan’s embattled Darfur region, calling it a “potentially dangerous pocket of instability.”

The U.N. is seeking US$1.5 billion (A1.2 billion) for Sudan, where humanitarian work in Darfur is threatened by continued clashes between rebel groups and Arab militia fighters who are accused of attacking villagers with the government’s backing.

Violence in Darfur has led to more than 180,000 deaths and forced 2 million people to flee their homes.

(AP/ST)