§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to visit Darfur. [148544]
§ Hilary BennI have no plans at present to visit Darfur, but my Humanitarian Adviser intends to do so during his visit to Sudan next week.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the safety of humanitarian aid workers in Darfur. [148545]
§ Hilary BennWe have made no specific assessment; however we are aware of threats to humanitarian aid workers as a result of the insecurity there, which will have been exacerbated by the recent conflict.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what expansion of humanitarian access to(a) drought-affected people in West and North Darfur and (b) vulnerable people in South Darfur has taken place since June 2003; and what contribution has been made by his Department. [148546]
§ Hilary BennHumanitarian access to Darfur is constrained by the continuing conflict between government and rebel forces in the area. We have made representations to both sides that they should allow access from recognised international relief organisations for humanitarian purposes. I myself raised the issue with the Government of Sudan in my most recent visit there.
After June 2003 access improved briefly but, with the breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of hostilities, access is now limited to the three provincial capitals.
We continue to make efforts to help both sides achieve a peaceful solution to their dispute.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the level of movement of people and goods in Darfur. [148547]
§ Hilary BennConflict between government and rebel forces continues in Darfur. The Government controls the main towns, and has varying control in those areas outside. The rebels appear to be able to move freely in most areas, and can close roads between towns. Much movement between towns is by air. This is clearly impacting on the free movement of people and goods in the region.
Of particular concern is the difficulty of gaining access for humanitarian work: United Nations reports indicate that they have access to less than 15 per cent. of the population. Recent reports suggest the situation will worsen. My humanitarian adviser will be travelling to Sudan next week and plans to visit Darfur to assess conditions there.