Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the latest situation in Sudan. [46643]
§ Clare ShortThe World Food Programme have reassessed the humanitarian needs in southern Sudan. They now estimate the numbers in need of assistance at approximately 1.226 million. This includes those in the Bahr-el-Ghazal region and is a significant increase on previous assessments.
In response to this, my Department is committing a further £15 million of assistance to the relief operation in Sudan. £10 million will be provided immediately for food and logistics to support the World Food Programme's enhanced food distribution in southern Sudan. The remaining £5 million will be available to support the relief work of UN agencies and non-governmental organisations participating in Operation Lifeline Sudan and to support selected operations outside Operation Lifeline Sudan where new needs are emerging. This will bring our total assistance since February to £25.23 million and since 1991 to £160 million.
As I have made clear since the beginning of the current emergency, we alongside other governments will provide the funding needed for the Sudanese emergency. The problem remains one of access rather than resources. The EU General Affairs Council on 25 May again called for a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes, which remains the most urgent requirement in order to provide help to the people in need.