Escalation of fighting in Darfur straining "complex" humanitarian operation


An escalation of fighting in the Jebel Marra area of North Darfur in Sudan has led to the displacement of 85,000 civilians, the United Nations has said.

The UN estimates that a total of 300,000 people have died and more than two million have fled their homes since fighting began in Darfur in 2003.

Concern has been raised by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Marta Ruedas.

"On Monday, Ms. Ruedas visited Tawilla, west of El Fasher, where over 22,000 people, mostly women and children, have gathered in recent weeks next to an existing camp for displaced people. She said that civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict and that their protection is the UN's paramount concern."

Meanwhile, the UN relief agency OCHA said the massive influx of new arrivals is straining an already logistically complex humanitarian operation.

SOURCE: UN Radio