UN Sudan asserts its continuing commitment to addressing the crisis in Bahr El Ghazal and elsewhere

Khartoum, 21 June 2001 -- The Office of the United Nations in the Sudan rejects recent accusations that the UN has failed to honour its commitment to assist the war-affected population of Bahr El Ghazal.
The decision to relocate humanitarian personnel from Wau was taken based on security considerations, following an SPLA offensive in Bahr El Ghazal. Prior to that decision, the Government was duly informed about the intention, verbally as well as in writing.

Most of the humanitarian staff that left Wau did not return to Khartoum. They were sent to Ed Daein to help deal with the influx of an estimated number of 30,000 displaced persons that have fled from Bahr El Ghazal and are in critical need of assistance. The UN will make every effort to return to Wau, as soon as conditions permit, in order to continue with essential humanitarian work.

While remaining highly committed to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable population of the Sudan, guided by the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, accountability and transparency, the United Nations reaffirms its fundamental responsibility for looking after the security of its staff.

For further information, please contact:

Isabella Dougan, Information Officer, UN-OCHA, Khartoum, Tel: (249-11) 783757

Yaver Sayyed, Information and Reports Officer, WFP. Khartoum, Tel: (249-11) 475826

Nance Webber, Communications Officer, UNICEF, Khartoum (249-11) 471835