Update on Darfur situation

Map courtesy of CAFOD

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution demanding that the Sudanese government fulfil the commitments it made to the Secretary-General on Darfur. The UK welcomed the resolution as a further vital step for the international community’s response to Darfur.

The situation in Darfur is of grave concern. The UN estimates that over 1.2m people have been displaced within Darfur, and a further 180,000 have fled to Eastern Chad. There are disturbing reports of continuing attacks by rebels and the Janjaweed militia, prompting the international community to repeatedly call for both sides to fully respect the cease-fire and begin political talks. Urgent action is required by the international community.

The first priority is to achieve regional security and deliver humanitarian aid to the affected population. The UK is fully committed to resolving the Darfur crisis. The Secretary of State has led the UK engagement in talks with the Government of Sudan, the UN and the donor community. Darfur was discussed yesterday at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council and a draft UN Security Council Resolution is under discussion. 

Having allocated £62.5m since September 2003, the UK is second largest bilateral donor to Darfur after the USA, but more funds are urgently needed, and the UK is lobbying donors to do more.

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