The United Nations refugee agency on Friday launched a fresh appeal for $40,3-million to help more than 2,5-million displaced people in the Sudanese region of Darfur.
”The funds will be used to help 2,5-million displaced Darfurians and returnees as well as 47 500 refugees from Chad and the Central African Republic” who have fled violence in their own countries, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Ron Redmond told journalists.
”UNHCR’s main goal remains to assist the Sudanese government in fulfilling its responsibility to deliver an effective and coordinated humanitarian response to the needs of conflict-affected populations throughout Darfur,” he added.
To this end, the UN refugee agency will strengthen its presence in the north and south of Darfur, as well as the western region, which has been its hub up till now.
The UNHCR currently has 31 international and 74 national staff working in Darfur, Redmond said.
At least 200 000 people have died from the combined effects of war, famine and diseases and more than two million have fled their homes in Darfur since Khartoum enlisted militia allies to put down a local revolt in 2003, according to the UN. — AFP
