Menu
15/09/2004
200 people dying in Darfur refugee camps every day: report
More than 200 refugees are dying every day in North and West Darfur, according to a shock assessment by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Disease is rife in the makeshift camps in Darfur due to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions, with diarrhoea cited as the leading cause of death.
UN reports estimate that more than 50,000 people have died in the conflict, involving attacks against black African civilians by militia, known as Janjaweed. To date 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes into refugee camps and another 200,000 forced to flee over the border into neighbouring Chad.
Following on from the WHO report, senior UN officials from humanitarian agencies met this morning to discuss the deteriorating situation and organise additional relief.
Measures to improve water, sanitation and public health services have already been agreed and 500 additional international aid workers will be drafted in to the region.
Foreign Minister Chris Mullin is currently on a five-day trip to the crisis-hit region.
Speaking before his departure, he said: "The Sudanese government urgently needs to respond to the demands of the International Community to meet its obligations in Darfur and I will be emphasising this to them during my visit."
Mr Mullin's visit follows Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's mission earlier this month.
(mmcg/gmcg)
Disease is rife in the makeshift camps in Darfur due to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions, with diarrhoea cited as the leading cause of death.
UN reports estimate that more than 50,000 people have died in the conflict, involving attacks against black African civilians by militia, known as Janjaweed. To date 1.2 million people have been displaced from their homes into refugee camps and another 200,000 forced to flee over the border into neighbouring Chad.
Following on from the WHO report, senior UN officials from humanitarian agencies met this morning to discuss the deteriorating situation and organise additional relief.
Measures to improve water, sanitation and public health services have already been agreed and 500 additional international aid workers will be drafted in to the region.
Foreign Minister Chris Mullin is currently on a five-day trip to the crisis-hit region.
Speaking before his departure, he said: "The Sudanese government urgently needs to respond to the demands of the International Community to meet its obligations in Darfur and I will be emphasising this to them during my visit."
Mr Mullin's visit follows Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's mission earlier this month.
(mmcg/gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 October 2004
Darfur aid hampered by security and transport problems
Lack of security and restrictions on transport are hampering the delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief to the massive population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the strife-torn Darfur region, the UN Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) has reported.
Darfur aid hampered by security and transport problems
Lack of security and restrictions on transport are hampering the delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief to the massive population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the strife-torn Darfur region, the UN Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) has reported.
01 October 2004
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
24 January 2007
Calls for limits on jail sentences
The Home Secretary and law chiefs have called on judges and magistrates to jail only the most dangerous and persistent criminals. John Reid, Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer and Attorney General Lord Goldsmith have sent a letter to judges and magistrates in a bid to ease the pressure on Britain's overcrowded hails.
Calls for limits on jail sentences
The Home Secretary and law chiefs have called on judges and magistrates to jail only the most dangerous and persistent criminals. John Reid, Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer and Attorney General Lord Goldsmith have sent a letter to judges and magistrates in a bid to ease the pressure on Britain's overcrowded hails.
10 August 2004
UN to vaccinate children trapped behind Sudan's rebel frontlines
Rebel groups in Sudan's western Darfur region have agreed to allow some 500,000 children cut off from regular health services to be vaccinated against such potentially killer diseases as measles and polio, the UN has announced.
UN to vaccinate children trapped behind Sudan's rebel frontlines
Rebel groups in Sudan's western Darfur region have agreed to allow some 500,000 children cut off from regular health services to be vaccinated against such potentially killer diseases as measles and polio, the UN has announced.
13 September 2004
UK minister to visit crisis-hit Sudan
Foreign Minister Chris Mullan is set to begin a five-day visit to Sudan tomorrow in order to "look in depth at the humanitarian and political situation" in the crisis-hit Darfur region.
UK minister to visit crisis-hit Sudan
Foreign Minister Chris Mullan is set to begin a five-day visit to Sudan tomorrow in order to "look in depth at the humanitarian and political situation" in the crisis-hit Darfur region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
