§ 7. Mr. HansonWhat discussions she is undertaking with aid agencies regarding refugees in Sudan. [29616]
§ Clare ShortWe are in frequent contact with UN agencies and our partners from non-governmental organisations working with internally displaced Sudanese and refugees in Sudan. Since April 1994, we have provided about £4.8 million bilaterally to support their work. We were the fourth largest donor of bilateral emergency assistance in 1997.
§ Mr. HansonWill my right hon. Friend pay tribute to the many people in my constituency and elsewhere who 357 are now busily raising money for the aid agencies to spend in Sudan to help alleviate the distress of those refugees? Will she ensure that, as well as providing such excellent aid—she mentioned £4.8 million—she works with the Foreign Office to ensure a political solution by bringing the warring parties back to the table so that refugees can find their way back to their own homes?
§ Clare ShortI pay tribute to the generous people who collect money for and care about the suffering of the Sudanese people. I agree with my hon. Friend: the real answer for the people of Sudan is a political settlement and an end to the civil war that has resulted in so many refugees and internally displaced people. The destruction of the Sudanese economy is a tragedy for Sudan and that part of Africa. We must do all in our power to support a political settlement.