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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Savidge: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the situation in Darfur. [183729] Hilary Benn: The UK Government are deeply concerned about the situation in Darfur. Humanitarian requirements in all sectors (food, water, shelter) are enormous. Civilian protection is also a major concern, with reports of systematic attacks on civilians. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report has identified disturbing patterns of human rights violations. DFID, with our EU partners, have made clear that all alleged attacks should be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. DFID is in almost daily contact with the Government of Sudan and the Darfur groups, both through our embassy in Khartoum and the joint DFID/FCO Sudan Unit in London. I visited Sudan, including Darfur, on 6-8 June. I visited three displaced persons camps there, and met with NGOs and UN agencies on the ground. Following concerted pressure from the UK Government, in conjunction with others, we have secured commitments from the Sudanese Government on access to humanitarian supplies and the disarming of militias. The UK is the second largest bilateral donor in Darfur, next to the US. Since September 2003, DFID has allocated £62.5 million to the humanitarian response to the crisis, which we are committing to UN agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. UK funding has contributed to provision of water and sanitation, food, nutrition and health services for the displaced population and to their host communities in Darfur and Eastern Chad. DFID is also actively involved in urging the EU and other organisations to increase their funding. In terms of the security situation and civilian protection, our priority remains on the rapid deployment of the African Union (AU)-led Ceasefire Monitoring Mission. Experience from elsewhere in Sudan shows that the deployment of ceasefire monitors can have a positive effect on the security situation and the protection of civilians. Following agreement of the AU's plan on 28 May, the UK immediately committed £2 million to enable swift deployment and we are working to provide a UK monitor to the mission. Ultimately this crisis requires a political solution. The framework agreement reached in Naivasha in June of this year lays the groundwork for a comprehensive peace in Sudan. We continue to encourage the Government and the rebel groups in Darfur to meet and discuss a political solution.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

423 c1159-60W; 183729

Session

2003-04

Question not reached

Yes

Subjects

Armed conflict Development aid Humanitarian aid Sudan Peace negotiations Darfur

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk