§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to address the humanitarian situation in the Southern Blue Nile region of Southern Sudan. [100970]
§ Clare ShortWe have not funded any interventions in Southern Blue Nile recently. Our humanitarian support is targeted accorded to demonstrated humanitarian need. If these needs are found in Southern Blue Nile we will certainly consider making a response.
A number of recent assessments have taken place (e.g. a joint World Food Programme/UNICEF team visited the region 17–23 February); their findings, once they are made known, will inform our decisions. Our representative in the British Embassy in Khartoum liaises with the UN and other agencies working in-country to keep our information up to date.