Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action that has been taken at EU and UN level to ensure there is humanitarian access for affected civilians in the region of South Korodofan and the Nuba Mountains in Sudan; if he will report on Irish Aid assistance to Sudan and South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33533/12]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Government remains seriously concerned about the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. We are working with our EU partners to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issue of humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region. We will continue to use all available opportunities, within the EU and internationally, to raise these issues.

The situation in Sudan and South Sudan, including the humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan, has been discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at their meetings over recent weeks and months. In January, with Ireland's encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians, and reiterated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The EU also emphasised that the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to the provision of the full range of support we would like to provide to Sudan, and in the region. In April, the EU called on the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) to engage in an inclusive political process to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The UN Security Council on 2 May and 17 May adopted Resolutions demanding that both Sudan and South Sudan fulfil their obligations under international law to allow access by humanitarian agencies to civilian populations in need of assistance.

Since the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolutions, there has reportedly been some calming of the tensions between Khartoum and Juba. However, the issue of humanitarian access has remained unclear, despite continuing pressure from the EU and other parties. On 27 June, the Sudanese Government finally approved a Tripartite Proposal by the African Union, the Arab League and the United Nations for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in the areas held by the SPLM-N. This nine point agreement provides for the right to humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese affected by the conflict in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan without discrimination and the immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. It also includes a joint plan between the Sudanese Government and the UN to deliver humanitarian relief to those in need in both states.

We are in contact with a range of parties on the ground, but unfortunately there is no clarity yet as to whether the new deal on humanisation access is actually being implemented. I very much share the concerns expressed by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, who has called for urgent access to all of the communities affected by the conflict. It is vital that neutral, impartial, independent and experienced humanitarian workers can reach these people to assess their needs and to immediately deliver the assistance necessary for their survival.

The Government has provided substantial assistance for those affected by the conflict in this region. Earlier this year, I approved an allocation of €2 million for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Funds for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan. On 24 May, in recognition of deterioration in the humanitarian situation I announced a further funding allocation of €3m. These funds are being provided to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas affected by conflict and by displacement of populations from the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas. In addition, almost €1.5 million in assistance has been allocated to a number of key Irish NGO partners, including Goal, Trócaire and World Vision for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual Irish Aid Humanitarian Programme Planning funding scheme.

We will continue to monitor closely the situation in South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and other affected areas of both countries. Together with other EU Member States, we will continue to press for unrestricted humanitarian access to affected civilians. We also stand ready to provide further assistance to our partner agencies as needs are identified on the ground.