Oxfam Warns of Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur

Oxfam UK, one of the largest development, relief and campaigning organisations, which works to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering around the world, have warned that as more than 2 million displaced people, completely dependent on aid are currently living in camps of Darfur, a humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region will probably continue until late 2006.

As the Arab Janjaweed continue to attack villages, "Most of the displaced people still do not feel safe enough to return home. If they miss this year’s planting season, this year's harvest is likely to be very low and the next harvest won't be until October 2006," says Paul Smith-Lomas, Regional Director of Oxfam.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been suffering and so many have already died from hunger and disease. Many are still living in sprawling camps, where all the food, water and healthcare are provided by aid agencies and around 10,000 Sudanese and international aid workers.

"Aid workers are doing all they can to help, but it simply isn't enough," it was reported by a desperate aid worker.

The African Union has allowed the number of peace monitors in Darfur to double, and so now there are around 7,700. This however, is still not enough to cover the affected area of Sudan, which is as big as France.

Despite the fierce situation, instability and regular attacks on humanitarian workers, the most immediate needs for displaced people in Darfur are being fulfilled.

Jonah Fisher of the BBC, currently staying in the Sudanese capital – Khartoum, expressed that there has been an immense humanitarian response to those suffering in Darfur.




[Main Page Picture - REUTERS/Moses Muiruri)