UN calls for immediate humanitarian access to South Darfur

February 12, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ameerah Haq has called today for immediate access to over 100,000 civilians in Muhajariya, Sheria and Labado areas of South Darfur.

International humanitarian agencies have attempted to reach the area four times since 7 February but are unable to obtain clearance for humanitarian flights.

“We are very concerned about the state and condition of civilians in these areas,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan, Ameerah Haq.

“Aid agencies need urgent access to Muhajariya, Sheria (Mijekha and Kazanjadeed areas) and Labado where people are in critical need of assistance. Unless access is immediately granted, the situation for hundreds of thousands of civilians could deteriorate rapidly,” she further added

UN and NGOs in Nyala stand ready to provide vital food, water, shelter and medical care to vulnerable civilians who were displaced from Muhajariya into the surrounding areas following recent hostilities in the area.

Reports from UNAMID and humanitarian officials say the number of IDPs has increased to approximately 3700 in Darfur refugee camps.

Following the withdrawal of JEM rebels from Muhageriya earlier this month an assessment mission found people in urgent need of food, medicine, and water.

“There are at least 5,000 people in the town and we are doing everything possible to re-start operations immediately,” said the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Darfur, Toby Lanzer.

(ST)