Annan warns of ‘catastrophic’ humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region

SAO PAULO, June 14 (AFP) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Monday warned the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region required immediate attention.

“This is a humanitarian emergency of catastrophic proportions that must be addressed, not tomorrow, but now,” Annan said on the sidelines of the 11th UN Conference on Trade and Development.

“And the world must insist that the Sudanese authorities neutralize and disarm the militia, who continue to terrorize the population. They must also allow humanitarian supplies.”

The crisis in Darfur was prompted by a rebel uprising that started in February 2003. Rebels complained Khartoum had neglected their impoverished region.

The uprising led to a fierce, and widely condemned, retaliation by government forces and allied militia.

At least 10,000 people are believed to have died in the revolt and an estimated one million people have fled the region following attacks by government troops and the militias. More than 100,000 people have taken refuge in neighboring Chad, according to UN figures.