body-container-line-1
20.03.2008 Europe

BRITAIN TO GIVE £40 MILLION IN HUMANITARIAN AID TO THE SUDANESE PEOPLE

20.03.2008 LISTEN
By Sarah Thoms

As Sudan faces the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today announced a further £40 million in humanitarian UK aid for those most in need.

Douglas Alexander said:
"The scale of the challenge in Sudan is immense. In Darfur alone, two and a half million people have been displaced, 80,000 this year alone, largely as a result of the ongoing violence in West Darfur. Over four million people, two thirds of the region's population, have been affected by the conflict and rely on international assistance.

"The coming months will be crucial for humanitarian agencies to respond to needs and pre-position supplies, before the rains arrive in June and movement becomes difficult. The international community must provide early and adequate finance to sustain the massive humanitarian response needed in Darfur and in other parts of Sudan.

"That is why the British government will provide a further £40 million to the UN's Common Humanitarian Fund for Sudan in 2008. We are channelling our funding through this mechanism as it allows the UN the greatest flexibility to target funds to where the need is greatest.
"We call on other donors to respond as generously as they can to this continuing and urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

"The UK calls on all parties to stop the horrific violence that is causing widespread displacement and humanitarian need."

body-container-line