§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the welfare of British aid workers engaged in relief work in Sudan. [55436]
§ Clare ShortThe Security Unit of the UN Operation Lifeline Sudan is responsible for co-ordinating security procedures for all relief workers operating in southern Sudan. British NGOs active in Sudan are content with the support provided. Since February we have contributed £300,000 to the Unit.
Britain has also contributed to the drawing up of a code of best practice in the management and support of aid personnel. This includes a commitment to the protection and well-being of aid personnel working in difficult and dangerous operations. Agencies seeking emergency funds for Sudan (or elsewhere) are asked to stipulate how they apply Code standards. Many of the NGOs offer advice and counselling as necessary to staff working in difficult circumstances such as those in southern Sudan.