The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced today that Norway will give an additional NOK 11 million in humanitarian assistance to Darfur in western Sudan and to refugees from Darfur in Chad, to be channelled through the Norwegian Red Cross. This contribution will enable the Norwegian Red Cross to send equipment and delegates to run two hospitals in Darfur and to establish a health clinic in one of the refugee camps in Chad. This brings the total amount of humanitarian assistance given by Norway to Darfur and the refugees in Chad since September 2003 up to NOK 84 million.

“The situation in Darfur is appalling. More than a million people have been driven from their homes and they are in desperate need of help. The UN, the Red Cross and a number of NGOs have stepped up their efforts, and this means that there is a great need for new, effective contributions from the international community,” said the Foreign Minister.

“This is a disaster with political roots, and humanitarian aid will not solve the problems. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that the parties, and particularly the Sudanese Government, take responsibility for protecting and helping their own people by halting the violence, disarming militia groups and restoring law and order,” said the Foreign Minister.