Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Khartoum (Fides Service)- “Unless we guarantee security for those in need of aid we may see the greatest ever calamity”, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR Antonio Guterres who launched the alarm for the humanitarian situation in the western Sudan region of Darfur scene of civil war since 2003. “The international community could face a catastrophe in Darfur. To avoid this it calls for full involvement of the African Union and UN” Mr Guterres told the UN Security Council.
There is concern for the constant flow in of Sudanese refugees to Chad, 800 in the first part of January. Some come from the many villages near the border others from camps in western Darfur. Groups of ten to twenty arrive every day and say others are on the way because of the conditions of insecurity. Insecurity, including attacks by the notorious Janjaweed horsemen, is the main reason for the flow of refugees.
In recent months growing insecurity in Darfur has led to the withdrawal of humanitarian workers, UNHCR says. Refugees arriving in Gaga camp were registered by the UNHCR and partner CNAR, (Commission nationale d'accueil et de réinsertion des réfugiés) of the Chad government, and given tents, food, blankets, cooking utensils, mattresses and other items. Children are given medical examinations. Many refugees say they travelled by night on donkeys
In camps in east Chad there are over refugees 200,000 from Darfur. UNHCR has temporarily reduced staff in two of its five offices (Guereda and Iriba) as a precaution following attacks by unidentified armed men in Guereda and the kidnapping of five government officials. UNHCR is concerned for the hostages and calls for their immediate release. UNHCR has retained enough staff to guarantee distribution of water, food, medical assistance, protection in its camps. UNHCR takes note of security conditions every day. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/1/2006 righe 40 parole 487)
