§ Lord Ahmedasked Her Majesty's Government:
What funding they have made available to assist with the anti-meningitis vaccination campaign in northern and southern Sudan in the light of the current pandemic. [HL3742]
§ Baroness AmosWe provided funding to the British Red Cross (£100,000) and Médicins Sans Frontières (£250,000) during the epidemic in 1999. This year the situation is improved, but we are ready to consider additional support should we receive requests.
§ Lord Ahmedasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their position on the Memorandum of Understanding imposed by the Sudan People's Liberation Army on humanitarian activities in southern Sudan. [HL3745]
§ Baroness AmosWe oppose the Sudan People's Liberation Army's Memorandum of Understanding and the unacceptable conditions imposed by it. We have made it clear that it is for the humanitarian organisations themselves to decide whether or not to sign up, and that those who do not, should be allowed to continue their work unhindered. Humanitarian organisations in Sudan must be allowed to operate with neutrality and independence. We will continue to support those that do so.