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29/07/2004
UN mission to assess Darfur plight concludes
An observer group of UN staff, Sudanese officials and representatives of concerned countries today wrapped up its three-day visit to Darfur, where local civilians have been fleeing militia attacks, by touring a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region's west.
The group - which is attempting to verify whether Sudan is meeting its pledges to disarm the Arab Janjaweed militias and restore security to Darfur - will report its findings to the next meeting of a joint Sudanese-UN body charged with making sure the commitments are achieved
After visiting the camp for IDPs at the town of Mornei in West Darfur, the group headed back to Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.
The UN and Sudan set up the Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM) after signing a communiqué on 3 July outlining their pledges to alleviate what has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. This week's observer mission was organized through JIM.
UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said that the security situation "remains highly unstable" in Darfur's north, with humanitarian agencies there reporting that the Sudanese government has been pressuring IDPs to leave the temporary camps and return to their home villages.
About 1.2 million IDPs are scattered across Darfur, a region the size of France, while at least another 180,000 refugees have escaped to neighbouring Chad. The displacement began last year when two rebel groups began fighting government forces and the Janjaweed started attacking civilians.
At UN Headquarters in New York, Security Council members scheduled consultations on a draft resolution designed to address the crisis.
In a separate development, the UN has received another $13 million for its humanitarian appeal for Darfur and Chad since Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke out last week about the major shortfall in funds.
So far, however, only $158 million has been received - well below the target amount of $349 million.
(gmcg)
The group - which is attempting to verify whether Sudan is meeting its pledges to disarm the Arab Janjaweed militias and restore security to Darfur - will report its findings to the next meeting of a joint Sudanese-UN body charged with making sure the commitments are achieved
After visiting the camp for IDPs at the town of Mornei in West Darfur, the group headed back to Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.
The UN and Sudan set up the Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM) after signing a communiqué on 3 July outlining their pledges to alleviate what has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. This week's observer mission was organized through JIM.
UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said that the security situation "remains highly unstable" in Darfur's north, with humanitarian agencies there reporting that the Sudanese government has been pressuring IDPs to leave the temporary camps and return to their home villages.
About 1.2 million IDPs are scattered across Darfur, a region the size of France, while at least another 180,000 refugees have escaped to neighbouring Chad. The displacement began last year when two rebel groups began fighting government forces and the Janjaweed started attacking civilians.
At UN Headquarters in New York, Security Council members scheduled consultations on a draft resolution designed to address the crisis.
In a separate development, the UN has received another $13 million for its humanitarian appeal for Darfur and Chad since Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke out last week about the major shortfall in funds.
So far, however, only $158 million has been received - well below the target amount of $349 million.
(gmcg)
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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.
06 August 2004
Sudan pledges to disarm militias within 30 days
UN and Sudanese officials have signed an agreement committing Khartoum to take "detailed steps" in the next 30 days to disarm the militias responsible for deadly attacks in the Darfur region, improve security for the 1.
Sudan pledges to disarm militias within 30 days
UN and Sudanese officials have signed an agreement committing Khartoum to take "detailed steps" in the next 30 days to disarm the militias responsible for deadly attacks in the Darfur region, improve security for the 1.
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.
21 July 2004
Concerns raised over Sudanese plan to return 200,000 refugees
The Sudanese government has told humanitarian officials operating in the troubled Darfur region that plans are being made for the return of about 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their towns and villages – prompting UN agencies to stress that relocation must be voluntary.
Concerns raised over Sudanese plan to return 200,000 refugees
The Sudanese government has told humanitarian officials operating in the troubled Darfur region that plans are being made for the return of about 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their towns and villages – prompting UN agencies to stress that relocation must be voluntary.
31 August 2004
Darfur refugees still at risk of 'rape and violence'
The displaced inhabitants of the Sudanese region of Darfur are traumatised and humiliated, and remain at constant risk of rape and violence, a UN humanitarian official has said.
Darfur refugees still at risk of 'rape and violence'
The displaced inhabitants of the Sudanese region of Darfur are traumatised and humiliated, and remain at constant risk of rape and violence, a UN humanitarian official has said.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
