‘More than six million Sudanese in need; aid down by 25%’: report

Approximately 6.1 million Sudanese are in need of humanitarian support, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan reports. This represents an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year. However the UN Common Humanitarian support decreased by 25 per cent. In 2013 an estimated 950,000 people were newly displaced by conflict and fighting in Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. Around 430,000 people have been affected by flooding. In 2013, the allocation of money dropped by $10.1 million compared to 2012 – while Swiss Franc donor contributions and outstanding commitments or pledges have decreased by $24 million. Compared to 2012, when donors contributed a total of $79.9 million, this year donors contributed $50.9 with another $5 million pledged to be contributed before year end. Altogether, eight countries have pledged funds and five countries had finalised their contributions by 30 November 2013. Only the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Ireland supported the fund in 2013. Darfur has its own challenges, with access to effected people by international agency staff limited by insecurity and bureaucratic obstacles, as well as increasing banditry and lawlessness. Limitations to access are seen to contribute to sub-optimal needs assessment, implementation and monitoring. With international staff limited in traveling beyond state capitals, delivery is largely carried out by their national staff and national implementing partners, or in coordination with national NGOs. Some UN funds went to government institutions such as a radio station in Kadugli. This state radio is known for its war propaganda against the rebels in the Nuba Mountains. Other funds were used for South Sudanese who were kept for two years at the railway station of Kosti before they were allowed to return to their homeland. File photo: Displaced women and children from Labado, East Darfur (Albert González Farran/Unamid)