Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 13 and 66 together.

The humanitarian situation across the enormous expanse of Sudan continues to be tragic and complex. Although rich with oil, Sudan is placed 146th out of 179 on the UN's human development index. Despite recent talks between the Sudanese Government and rebel groups, hostilities on the ground in Darfur continue. As a result of the ongoing violence, there has been forced movement of civilians, increasing the number of internally displaced persons, which currently stands at more than 2.7 million.

In early March the Government of Sudan announced its decision to expel 13 international humanitarian organisations and to suspend the operations of three Sudanese non-governmental organisations, NGOs. The 13 agencies expelled accounted for 40% of all humanitarian aid in Sudan. Between them, they provided food and safe water to 1 million people and basic health care to 1.5 million people. At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 16 March, European Union Foreign Ministers called on the Government of Sudan to urgently reconsider the decision to expel these organisations and to ensure that the most vulnerable people in Sudan are guaranteed humanitarian assistance. The European Union has emphasised this position to regional and international partners who may be in a position to influence the Sudanese Government.

There are continuing difficulties in responding effectively to the humanitarian needs of so many people. Vital supplies are not being pre-positioned ahead of the rainy season, which starts in June, and this will make the distribution of aid significantly more difficult. There is a grave risk that the situation could further deteriorate in the months ahead. Aid organisations working in Darfur face dangerous working conditions on a daily basis. The threat of armed attacks, banditry, theft and kidnapping are a constant menace which has a direct impact on their ability to carry out successfully their life-saving work.

My officials are in regular contact with the agencies that the Department supports in Darfur and have discussed security matters with some of them on several occasions. The Department is in discussions with a number of NGOs with regard to facilitating their staff to attend the security training offered to the members of the rapid response corps. It will continue to liaise with those agencies present in Darfur to provide whatever support it can in helping them carry out their work in the safest way possible.

See this speech in context