Statement attributable to Ms. Carolyn McAskie on the Humanitarian Situation in the Sudan
The Emergency Relief Coordinator, expresses
her deep concern about the resumed hostilities between the rebel factions
and the Sudanese Government in Southern Sudan. The reported fighting around
Gogrial in Bahr-el-Ghazal and Mabaan in Upper Nile has caused the displacement
of at least 4,000 people. It has also been reported that air raids on Rumbek
and other locations in the Bahr-el-Ghazal, Lakes area and Western Equatoria
last week, have resulted in the death of three people and the wounding
of several others.
These events are of particular concern
as they not only bring about further deterioration of humanitarian conditions
in the area but also jeopardize the crucial humanitarian cease-fire that
both parties pledged to respect earlier this year. The cease-fire is scheduled
to expire on 15 July 2000, and the Emergency Relief Coordinator a.i., urges
both parties to respect and extend its provisions, in order to ensure the
delivery of humanitarian aid to all beneficiaries, and the safety of civilians
and United Nations humanitarian personnel throughout the country.