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Sudan Bans UN Emergency Relief Chief Egland

SUDAN BANS UN EMERGENCY RELIEF CHIEF EGELAND; MISSION PROTESTS TO GOVERNMENT

The United Nations Mission in Sudan (<"http://www.unmis.org/english/documents/PR-PS/2006/PR-20-apr03-2006.pdf" target="_blank">UNMIS) today protested against the Government's refusal to allow a visit by the world body's Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland to the country, which is suffering from serious humanitarian problems in the conflict-torn western Darfur region as well in the recently pacified South.

"<"http://www.unmis.org">UNMIS regrets the decision of the Government of Sudan not to welcome the visit," the mission said in a statement, noting that Mr. Egeland's flight into Sudan was not given authorization to land yesterday at what was to have been the start of a five-day trip.

"In addition, the Wali (governor) of South Darfur stated that he strictly opposes Mr. Egeland's visit. The Sudanese Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York further stated that Mr. Egeland would be welcome neither in Darfur nor in Khartoum where he had planned to have discussions with the authorities," the statement added.

For the past three years Mr. Egeland has been highlighting the plight of those caught up in the conflict in Darfur, where more than 180,000 people have been killed and 2 million more displaced in fighting between the Government, pro-government militias and rebels.

An enquiry set up by Secretary-General Kofi Annan found there had been war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides, but primarily by Government forces and militias, and referred a list of 51 as-yet undisclosed names to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for possible prosecution.

In the South of Africa's largest country, UN agencies are heavily engaged in preparing for the return home of some 4.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) uprooted by a two-decade long war between the Government and rebels which ended with a peace accord 15 months ago.

Mr. Egeland, who is also Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, was scheduled to visit Sudan from 2-6 April. He had notified the Sudanese authorities well in advance and discussed the upcoming visit with the Minister of Foreign Affairs during his visit to New York early March.

He had planned to assess the humanitarian relief operation in South Sudan as well as in Darfur, which amounts to some $1.5 billion annually. Mr. Egeland, who is a well-known champion of international humanitarian assistance around the world, is the highest UN official responsible for this operation.

He is presently engaged in efforts to raise additional international funds for humanitarian assistance for the people of Sudan.

Source: United Nations News Centre

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