Written question asked by Hilton Dawson (Labour) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to persuade the government of Sudan to allow access to conflict-affected populations in Darfur by non-governmental organisations and human rights organisations.

Answer: Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to persuade the Government of Sudan to allow access to conflict-affected populations in Darfur by non-governmental organisations and human rights organisations. [224346] Mr. Mullin: We regularly discuss with both the Government of Sudan and the rebels the importance of access for all non-governmental organisations throughout Darfur. Our Ambassador raised this matter with the Government on 21 March and I discussed this with the Secretary General of the Sudanese Liberation Movement on 22 March. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary secured access for human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, in August 2004. Lack of security is the key factor hampering access throughout Darfur. We have made it clear to the Government and the rebels that they must abide by their commitments under Abuja humanitarian and security protocols and improve the situation in Darfur.

Secondary information