§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to help the refugees of the civil war in Sudan who have fled into Chad. [136582]
§ Hilary BennI refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 23 October 2003 to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson),Official Report, column 691 W.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions(a) he, (b) members of his Department and (c) other representatives of the United Kingdom government have had with non-governmental organisations since the beginning of October concerning the humanitarian situation in West Darfur in Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [136642]
§ Hilary BennThe British Embassy in Khartoum, which includes DFID staff, continues to liaise closely with non-governmental organisations operational throughout Darfur—including those in West Darfur, such as Medair. DFID staff in London have also been in contact with non-governmental organisations working in this region.
The situation in West Darfur, as across the region, is of paramount concern to the international community.
We continue to support the work of key humanitarian agencies throughout the region—including UN, Red Cross and NGOs—and to raise the issue of access and security for humanitarian workers throughout Darfur with the Government of Sudan.