Additional Humanitarian Aid to Darfur
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2004-067
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) continues its humanitarian efforts in Sudan's western province of Darfur. Between July 17th and July 21st, 24 water bladders, 11,685 blankets, and 31,700 water containers were airlifted to the war torn region. These relief supplies are in addition to the $1.6 million in relief supplies sent to Darfur between July 5th and July 14th.
On July 14th, USAID shipped 12 water bladders to Darfur to accommodate the changing needs on the ground. Each full 10,000-liter water bladder can serve between 600 and 700 people. Water bladders facilitate the efficient distribution of water, minimize waiting time for water collection (frequently hours at a time), and improve security for vulnerable individuals by providing accessible water distribution centers.
As of July 21st, USAID has delivered a total of 10,830 rolls of plastic sheeting, 218,335 blankets, 38 water bladders, and 52,100 water containers via 30 airlifts to Darfur. USAID's contribution of plastic sheeting will provide shelter for approximately 682,290 beneficiaries. The total value of the commodities to date, including transportation costs, is approximately $6.8 million.
According to a July 15th report from the Office of the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRC) in Khartoum, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are reporting continued delays in obtaining registration to work in Sudan, visas for international staff, and customs clearance for essential equipment. Because of these restrictions, relief agencies do not have the numbers of staff or the logistical capacity to reach accessible populations. U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan have asked the Government of Sudan to facilitate humanitarian access and reign in the Jingaweit militias that have terrorized thousands of people. If the Government of Sudan fails to comply with its assurances, the U.N. Security Council may pass a resolution sanctioning the Sudanese Government.
The situation in Darfur is dire, especially because the rainy season is impeding the distribution of food and supplies. It is also spreading diseases such as measles, cholera and polio. Approximately 2.2 million people are affected by the crisis, including more than 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and an estimated 158,000 refugees that have fled to neighboring Chad. USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios has called the situation in Darfur the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. By the end of the year, up to 1 million people may die because of hunger, disease, and violence.
To date, the U.S. Government has provided a total of $109.9 million of humanitarian assistance to Darfur, including 86,700 metric tons of emergency food assistance worth $82.9 million. The U.S. Government will continue to be proactive and engaged in the region. For more information on USAID's humanitarian efforts in Sudan, please visit our website: www.usaid.gov.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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