UN envoy expresses concern over Sudan’s Amri flooding
Aug 22, 2006 (LONDON) — Speaking in Khartoum on 17th August, Dr. Sima Samar, the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Sudan, expressed concern over the plight of some 2200 families who were forced tom leave their homes on 11-12th August after the Merowe Dam authorities started filling the dam’s reservoir without warning.
Dr Samar told a press conference: “I am also concerned about the
relocation issues related to the Merowe Dam project affecting some 50
thousand people. Allegations have been received that flooding of the
area started to force people to relocate and services are not being
provided.”
Those forced out of their homes by the floodwaters are still living in
the open without any emergency relief.The Amri Association of Khartoum
have appealed to the international community for support and assistance.
The full text of the Appeal is appended below.
Meanwhile, the terms of the resettlement package for those Amri who
will lose their land to the dam have yet to be agreed. On 18th August,
Ali Osman Taha, the Vice-President of Sudan, visited villagers and
announced new compensation proposals.
The package failed even to meet terms previously proposed by the Merowe Dam authority – terms which had already been rejected by the affected communities. Under the rejected proposals, compensation would have been paid in instalments over three years – a deal which would see much of the money eaten away by inflation.
The Vice-President proposal merely extended the disputed
repayment period to four years. Moreover, the key concerns raised by the villagers were not addressed – notably issues surrounding land
ownership, including the unlawful denial of compensation to those who
have been farming land for more less than twenty years (see earlier
updates); and the still disputed compensation rates for loss of dates
and other trees.
The Amri met on 21 August and roundly rejected the Vice-President’s
proposals.
Many observers believe that the continuing failure of the government to
address the grievances of the affected people will lead to violence.
(LOHAP)
—
From: Amri Association –Khartoum
Subject: Crisis in Amri Villages-Area of the Dam
Reference to the Subject above, 10-15 August, about 1200 Families were
suddenly forced by the flood, lost their houses completely and about
1000 families partially affected by flood and the dam Reservoir Water.
Furthermore, the Amri area became completely isolated in term of
communication suffering from food shortage, shelter, milk for children,
and expected diseases outbreak (Health crisis) in the coming days.
Although the people agreed on the Census process based on the government
Ministerial Committee, formed after the escalation of conflict in the
area in April 2006, but the issue of compensation and houses ownership
not yet been settled.
Now the flood and the rise of Dam water reservoir impoverish the
situation in all dimensions, 15 villages completely damaged about 850
families of Amri people have been left without food or shelter. 10 Other
villages are threatened with imminent inundation. The families – mainly
women and children from the Islands of Shikora, Um Kuk, El Bana, El
Dawaneeb, Geref El Doud, El Hagab, etc.
In addition to That all cultivable land flooded and no fodder and
shelter for about 15 000 heads of animals (Sheep and Goats), which used
to be milk and food for children in the area.
Still the dam authorities on daily based use the Radio and media told
villagers that they should move to an unfinished resettlement site in
Wadi El Mugaddam (Proposed Area for Affected People)
*Immediate responses: *
1. At local level (Village) Villagers from around the area are trying to
provide food and shelter to whose homes who have lost their houses.
2. At Khartoum Level Amri Association responding to this grave situation
by formed task forces in Merawi Locality and Khartoum to mobile
resources from CSOs, Governments, INGOs, UN Agencies, Charity
Organizations, etc and also as kicking start the Amri people working in
Khartoum contributed by 10,000 SDD/person.
3. Amri People at village’s level have made it clear that the Amri area
is closed to the authorities and that no official will be allowed to enter.
4. Issued and appeal to concerned agencies.
5. Held meeting with Merawi union in Khartoum.
6. Follow up of the UN Human rights section visit to the area on the
14th of August 2006.
7. Through HAC will submit proposal to all concerned agencies including
FAO, IRC, SRC, SECS, etc.
8. To communicate with Political Parties
Based on what are mentioned above, we aired this appeal and appreciate
any kind of support to respond to those sheltering sky and sleeping on
the ground.
– Contact: [email protected]
– For further information about the project, see www.irn.org/programs/merowe/