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Update on Darfur situation

Security & health | Appeal | Background | DFID's commitment to Sudan | Links

The Foreign Secretary visited Sudan on 23rd and 24th of August, which included a visit to a displaced persons camp. He met with the Sudanese President and other ministers and pressed the Government of Sudan to comply with the requirements of UN Security Council Resolution 1556. (Read the Full Update)

The UN Security Council has passed resolution demanding that the Sudanese Government fulfil the commitments it made to the Secretary-General on Darfur, including disarming the Janjaweed. It also imposes an arms embargo on the Janjaweed and other non-governmental actors. The UK has welcomed the resolution as a further vital step for the international community’s response to Darfur. (More on the UN resolution)

The UN estimates that the conflict has led to internal displacement of over 1.2 million people, and that at least a further 130,000 have fled to Chad. This movement of people is continuing as attacks and insecurity persist. UNHCR estimate that there is likely to be over 200,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad by the end of 2004. See map of Darfur PDF (161KB)

The humanitarian situation in Darfur and Eastern Chad at present remains dire, with large numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs) living in camps and host communities with poor water and sanitation and health facilities. Essential food and non-food supplies are intermittent or non-existent and there is considerable risk from communicable disease outbreaks. The rainy season, from May – September, adds to these problems, making some parts of Darfur and Eastern Chad inaccessible and increasing the vulnerability of IDPs to disease and exposure. This is further complicated by the fact that we are now in the traditional 'hungry season' where the wider population traditionally suffers from shortages and food insecurity. Recent years of drought have exacerbated this. These combined factors when twinned with the ongoing conflict, means that the entire Darfur population must be considered as highly vulnerable.

Humanitarian needs are enormous in all sectors. Figures below are taken from the UN monthly Humanitarian Profile for the month of June available at the UN's Sudan Information Gateway website. A weekly UN update is also provided on this site.

Security, food and health

Reports indicate that IDPs remain vulnerable to attack even in the camps, as militias plunder those with humanitarian assistance, and target people leaving camps to find fuel and fodder. The use of sexual violence in the attacks on villages has left many women in need of particular care and treatment. The fighting has left the population in the camps with a disproportionate number of female-headed households, which is also likely to increase their vulnerability. A joint mission to Darfur by the UN and the Government of Sudan looking at security of IDPs is due to take place before the end of July. The Government of Sudan is also deploying additional police to Darfur.

The health of the IDP and refugee population is in a critical state. The onset of rains will worsen the risk of communicable and water borne diseases, including malaria and acute respiratory infections. There are serious concerns about measles and cholera. In addition, cases of polio have also been diagnosed in West Darfur.

Food: (UN estimated coverage 52%) The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that approximately 1.2 million people are in need of food assistance but this is likely to increase as more areas of Darfur are accessed. WFP estimated that it reached 630,000 IDPs with food assistance in June. Levels of malnutrition across the region vary, with child malnutrition a particular concern in many IDP camps. WFP are also considering the need to undertake air drops of food to areas inaccessible by road.

Shelter: (UN estimated coverage 54%) Provision of adequate shelter is vital for protection against the harsh desert climate and the heavy rains which fall across the region from June to September. The majority of IDP and refugee camps lack permanent structures, and some have been established in remote locations with no existing shelters.

Water and Sanitation: (UN estimated coverage 38% water and 13% sanitation) The lack of clean water is acute. Poor sanitation is a significant factor in child mortality and the vulnerability of the displaced population.

Appeal

Capacity to respond to the emergency is improving but remains limited. The UN estimates that over 1000 international humanitarian staff are needed to cope with the crisis, but that as of mid-July, only 300 were in place to do so. There are also resource constraints. The UN estimates that they still need over $100m for their 2004 appeal. And the needs will continue to rise.

The External Link Disasters Emergency Committee launched an emergency appeal for Sudan on 20 July. Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, said:

"The UK government welcomes the launch of a DEC appeal for Darfur. The situation there is of grave concern and urgent action is required by all of us. The International community must redouble its efforts. UN agencies and NGOs need to deploy experienced staff quickly.

The Government of Sudan must also deliver on the commitments it gave to Colin Powell and Kofi Annan to stop the janjaweed attacks on civilians, help the AU ceasefire monitors to get to work, and remove the remaining obstacles to humanitarian access."

DFID Department for International Development

Update on Darfur situation

Security, food and health

Appeal

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