Press Statement - Sudan - 26 July 2004
PRESS STATEMENT FROM OVERSEAS AID COMMISSION
The Chairman of the Overseas Aid Commission has liaised with the Treasury and Resources Department concerning the States’ response to the urgent need for the provision of food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, medicines etc to the millions of people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur Region of Sudan and Eastern Chad.
The current acute humanitarian crisis follows two decades of conflict between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army, secondary conflicts and periodic natural disasters, all of which has strained the coping mechanism of the most vulnerable. Because of the violence in Darfur, multitudes have had to flee their homes. Some have managed to cross the border into neighbouring Chad. Many more have headed for makeshift camps inside Sudan.
The Treasury and Resources Department has authorised an immediate grant of £25,000 to the UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the Sudan Emergency. The position will be reviewed by the Overseas Aid Commission when appointed, and in the light of further developments in Darfur.
The DEC is co-ordinating the response of the eleven British agencies involved in the relief operation.
The Overseas Aid Commission Chairman hopes that members of the public and the business community will also respond, as they are able, through the various channels available, and in particular through the Bailiff’s Disaster Relief Fund, c/o the Bailiff’s Office, Royal Court House, St. Peter Port, GY1 2PB. Alternatively donations may be paid direct into that Fund c/o NatWest Bank, St Peter Port, Account Number 34588051, Sort Code 60-09-20.
P J Roffey
Chairman
26 July 2004