§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Nuba Mountains are outside the area of humanitarian relief served by Operation Lifeline Sudan; and what efforts are being made to reach people there who are threatened by starvation. [HL321]
§ Baroness AmosThe Nuba Mountains should be covered by Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS). The problem is that the Government of Sudan refuses access by OLS and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) despite several representations to them by the United Nations (UN) this year at the highest level. We are very concerned at this continuing lack of progress and, together with the UN and the ICRC, maintain constant pressure on the Government of Sudan to agree an early assessment mission to the Nuba.
In view of the high level of insecurity in the area, the UN is also urgently seeking from both sides in the conflict a guarantee of safe passage for such a mission.