Humanitarian envoy shocked by worsening conditions in Darfur, Sudan

New York, 8 December 2003 - Tom Eric Vraalsen, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Sudan visited West, North and South Darfur from 6 and 7 December 2003. He noted a significant worsening of humanitarian and security conditions in Darfur, Sudan, which now affect one million people, saying he was "shocked" by the conditions in which internally displaced persons were living.
Mr. Vraalsen reported that denials of access are the greatest single impediment to humanitarian efforts in Darfur. As a consequence of growing insecurity and access constraints, the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented proportions, with one million war-affected. On a similar mission in September, Mr. Vraalsen saw that humanitarian efforts could partially cover needs, but now humanitarian operations have come to a virtual standstill. Conditions in inaccessible areas are sure to be even worse.

In his meeting with the Tripartite Committee (comprising representatives of the Sudanese Government, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and of the Government of Chad as a mediator), Mr. Vraalsen strongly urged the parties to stop fighting and renew the ceasefire, with the participation of all concerned, including militias. In his exchanges with Sudanese authorities, the Secretary-General's Envoy stressed the Government's responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of all Sudanese. In order to address root causes of the conflict, Mr. Vraalsen further encouraged Sudanese officials to foster inter-tribal dialogue, as well as to devote adequate resources to development efforts in the region.

The UN has consistently received reports of systematic raids against civilian populations. These attacks have reportedly included burning and looting of villages, large-scale killings, and abductions. Humanitarian workers have also been targeted, with staff being abducted and relief trucks looted.

On Friday, 5 December 2003, Jan Egeland, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator said that the humanitarian situation in Darfur was now one of the worst in the world. Fighting between forces loyal to the Government of Sudan and the SLM/A has displaced more than 670,000 people from their homes. Mr. Egeland called for improved access, respect for international humanitarian law, and urged donors to support the Greater Darfur Initiative, a US$22 million humanitarian appeal.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, 917 367 5126, mobile 917 892 1679; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, 41 22 917 2653, mobile 41 (0) 79 472 4570.