World Vision staff wounded in ambush in Darfur

NEWS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

Three World Vision International staff have been wounded in Darfur, following an attack on their convoy, Reuters news agency is reporting. The two vehicles carrying eight World Vision International staff were ambushed late last week near a small village in South Darfur.

According to the news report, two World Vision International staff were shot in the head, and a third in the arm. The other staff received minor injuries from glass and shrapnel.

Staff from World Vision Sudan today confirmed three of their colleagues were in hospital, and their condition was improving. A World Vision Australia staff member who was part of the convoy was unharmed in the attack.

World Vision New Zealand CEO Lisa Cescon says the incident highlights the dangers aid workers frequently face in the field.

"It's a sobering reminder of the disturbing challenges our dedicated staff face, particularly in the growing number of conflict zones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time – and the people of Sudan they are so committed to helping."

The United Nations says attacks on relief workers in Darfur increased 50 per cent between June 2006 and June 2007.

Since 2003, when pro-government militia known as Janjaweed began terrorising the people of Darfur, an estimated 200,000 people have died and millions more have fled their homes.

World Vision distributes food (alongside emergency education, peace building, nutritional and food security projects) to about 250,000 internally displaced people across war-torn South Darfur, and in rebel-controlled areas to the northeast and south.

World Vision has New Zealand staff currently in Sudan.

ENDS

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