Sudan: ICRC hopeful to resume activities as soon as possible

02-02-2014 News Release 14/19

Khartoum / Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has suspended its activities in Sudan, in compliance with an official request to that effect from the Sudanese government's Humanitarian Aid Commission. The suspension began on 1 February 2014.

"In consultation with our main partner the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, we are now in discussions with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Humanitarian Aid Commission,” said Jean-Christophe Sandoz, head of the ICRC’s delegation in Sudan. “We are confident that the technical issues cited by the Commission as the reason for this suspension will be quickly settled."

The ICRC has over 700 staff in Sudan, both locally recruited and expatriate. The organization’s activities in the country in 2013 benefited over 1.5 million people living in areas affected by armed conflict and other violence.

"We remain committed to the people of Sudan", Mr Sandoz said. “It is therefore our hope that there will soon be an agreement with the authorities allowing a resumption of our work to help those in need.”

The ICRC has been working in Sudan since 1978. In 2003, it extended its operations to Darfur.

ENDS

© Scoop Media