UN condemns killing of aid workers in Blue Nile state
February 9, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Adnan Khan, has strongly condemned the attack on Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) staff in Blue Nile state which resulted in the killing of three aid workers and seriously injured another SRCS staff member.
Khan said in a statement received by Sudan Tribune the staff were part of a team monitoring the distribution of food assistance provided by the United Nations in Kurmuk locality in Blue Nile state.
The town of Kurmuk lies on Sudan’s south-eastern border with Ethiopia.
He called on all parties “ to ensure the protection of all humanitarian personnel working to deliver assistance to populations in need throughout Sudan”, saying that attacks on clearly marked humanitarian aid vehicles jeopardise delivery of relief assistance and constitute a violation of the international humanitarian law.
“My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of those killed,” said Khan.
“I wish quick recovery for the injured staff member of SRCS,” he added.
The secretary-general of the SRCS, Osman Ja’afar, had earlier told Sudan Tribune that a group of volunteers at the society came under fire 65km from Kurmuk following their participation in distribution of food assistance provided by the United Nations.
He didn’t point an accusing finger at a particular body but said that armed infiltrators frequently attack the area, describing the incident as “unfortunate”.
Ahmad Mohammed Adam, general commissioner of Sudan’s Humanitarian Affairs Commission (HAC), condemned the attack, which he said led to the death of three humanitarian workers from the SRCS in Blue Nile state.
The attack happened as the staff were returning from the town of Kurmuk after distributing “humanitarian aid to the needy in the area,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
(ST)