According to Mr. Jakob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), "increased criminality in Darfur is preventing aid from reaching those in need". He underlined that the deteriorating security situation is giving reason for major humanitarian concerns.
Mr. Kellenberger was speaking in Geneva, after his return from a five day visit to Sudan where he assessed the humanitarian and security situation.
He also met with Sudanese officials and representatives of armed groups, whom he tried to convince of the need to respect international humanitarian law and of the need to take measures to protect civilians, as well as aid workers.
Although the ICRC is widely accepted by all involved parties as an independent actor, it cannot guarantee protection. The complex situation in Sudan, where several different armed groups continue fighting, makes this virtually impossible for anyone.
The ICRC president underlined that his organisation has a long standing committment to the people of Darfur and warned that the parties should not take the Red Cross presence in Sudan for granted.
Most non-governmental organisations pulled out of Sudan at the end of last year, after an attack during which an international aid worker was raped.
Israel Rafalovich
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
Please also see:
International Committee of the Red Cross http://www.icrc.org
Swift EU Aid to Mozambique
by Israel Rafalovich
The European Commission moved swiftly, during last weekend, to help the victims of Cyclone Favio in Mozambique.
In a fast-track decision, the E.U. decided to provide two million Euros for immediate relief activities among them dispatching an aircraft that will air-lift Red Cross and United Nations relief supplies.
E.U. Development and Humanitarian Aid officer Mr. Louis Michel has said that "Mozambique has been dealt two bad blows...and there are obviously a lot of people who need help. We aim to get to them as soon as possible..."
The two Million Euros that are now being provided are in addition to the two Million in emergency aid that were given last week to help flood victims in Mozambique.
Israel Rafalovich
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
Israel Rafalovich: Emergency Aid to Mozambique
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout5.php&id=3190&blz=1
Mr. Kellenberger was speaking in Geneva, after his return from a five day visit to Sudan where he assessed the humanitarian and security situation.
He also met with Sudanese officials and representatives of armed groups, whom he tried to convince of the need to respect international humanitarian law and of the need to take measures to protect civilians, as well as aid workers.
Although the ICRC is widely accepted by all involved parties as an independent actor, it cannot guarantee protection. The complex situation in Sudan, where several different armed groups continue fighting, makes this virtually impossible for anyone.
The ICRC president underlined that his organisation has a long standing committment to the people of Darfur and warned that the parties should not take the Red Cross presence in Sudan for granted.
Most non-governmental organisations pulled out of Sudan at the end of last year, after an attack during which an international aid worker was raped.
Israel Rafalovich
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
Please also see:
International Committee of the Red Cross http://www.icrc.org
Swift EU Aid to Mozambique
by Israel Rafalovich
The European Commission moved swiftly, during last weekend, to help the victims of Cyclone Favio in Mozambique.
In a fast-track decision, the E.U. decided to provide two million Euros for immediate relief activities among them dispatching an aircraft that will air-lift Red Cross and United Nations relief supplies.
E.U. Development and Humanitarian Aid officer Mr. Louis Michel has said that "Mozambique has been dealt two bad blows...and there are obviously a lot of people who need help. We aim to get to them as soon as possible..."
The two Million Euros that are now being provided are in addition to the two Million in emergency aid that were given last week to help flood victims in Mozambique.
Israel Rafalovich
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report
Israel Rafalovich: Emergency Aid to Mozambique
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout5.php&id=3190&blz=1