14 July 2010 - Meeting yesterday in El Geneina, West Darfur, with representatives of the humanitarian community, Government officials restated their commitment to protecting aid workers operating in the troubled region.

Sudanese Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Joseph Lual Achnil joined the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Dr. Suleiman Abdulrahman Suleiman, in pledging to do more to help ensure the safety of humanitarian actors, who are often targets of kidnappings and carjackings.

Dr. Suleiman also stated that the Higher Committee for Humanitarian Work and the Security and Safety Committee would strive to ensure a constant exchange of information between the Government and humanitarian groups.

Aid workers are currently trying to provide assistance to as many displaced persons as possible before the rainy season begins in earnest and renders many roads impassable.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020
Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations; umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0) 91 250 1966