UN says surge in attacks on Darfur aid workers
Source: Reuters
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Attacks on aid workers in Darfur almost doubled in 2006 and assaults on people displaced by the 4-year-old conflict in Sudan's remote west more than tripled, the United Nations said on Monday. While the threat against the world's largest aid operation had become even more severe, the United Nations was resolved to keep working in the region, acting U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator Margareta Wahlstrom said. Experts estimate about 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million driven from their homes to miserable makeshift camps following the rape, pillage and murder in Darfur, which Washington calls genocide. Khartoum denies genocide. "Darfur was already one of the most dangerous areas for relief workers in 2005. But security incidents involving relief workers surged by another 67 percent in 2006 (to 1,800)," Wahlstrom said in a statement. She said the assaults on internally displaced people had risen to 414 in 2006, from 106 in 2005. Wahlstrom said more than 500,000 people were displaced by the violence in 2006, followed by another 25,000 during January, taking the total to more than 2 million. Around 13,000 relief workers are trying to reach 4 million people in the region. "Everyday there are more people who need our help, yet our colleagues are being threatened by all sides," Wahlstrom said. "Despite the attacks on aid workers, we are resolved to continue working in Darfur, adapting our operations as necessary to ensure that the most vulnerable in Darfur receive at least a minimum level of relief." The conflict began when mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms in 2003, accusing Khartoum of marginalizing the area. Militia, mobilized by the government to quell the revolt, are accused of pillage, rape and murder. Some rebel groups have now committed similar atrocities. The roads in many parts of west and north Darfur are so insecure that staff can only be transported by helicopter. In the past year, the conflict has spread to Darfur's main towns, forcing hundreds of staff evacuations and crippling operations. In addition to insecurity, government-imposed bureaucracy and travel restrictions have also hindered the aid operation. Despite agreements ensuring freedom of movement and ease of access, hundreds of aid workers waste days waiting for permits or visas. More than a dozen aid workers, mostly Sudanese, have been killed in Darfur and Wahlstrom said different armed groups and rebel factions regularly hijack humanitarian vehicles. Last month, Darfur police and security officials arrested 20 U.N., African Union and other aid workers at a social gathering in Nyala. Five U.N. staff members were beaten with rifles and one accused police of sexually assaulting her. Wahlstrom said Khartoum had promised to investigate the incident.
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