UN coordinator condemns NGO workers’ deaths in Nyala, South Darfur

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ali Al Zatari, has expressed “the sadness of the UN System and its partners in Sudan” over the killing in Nyala, South Darfur, of two Sudanese staff members from the humanitarian non-governmental organisation, World Vision International. A third World Vision staff member was also critically injured during the fighting between Government forces and an armed group. Zatari also expressed his feelings for the human and material losses that afflicted Nyala and its inhabitants “as a result of the horrific events it has gone through”. “My deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families of those killed and injured by this heinous act,” said Zatari. “The events which led to the deaths of our World Vision colleagues – a shoot-out in an urban area of Darfur’s most populated city – highlights the continuing unstable security in this region that threatens to disrupt the flow of much-needed humanitarian assistance, destabilise reconciliation efforts, and derail progress towards greater economic and social development.” He cautioned that “if humanitarian work in Darfur is forced to scale back because of the unsafe and insecure conditions for our staff and partners, then many more people in Darfur will suffer”. Zatari pointed out that humanitarian workers in Darfur are there to improve the lives of others. “They should not have to pay for their noble work with their own blood. I insist on all parties to this conflict to respect their obligation to protect humanitarian workers and other civilians. I urge the Sudanese Government to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators of this murder to justice,” Zatari concluded. Related: South Darfur Governor imposes new measures following Nyala violence (7 July 2013)South Darfur imposes curfew in Nyala after militias clash (5 July 2013)Nyala locked-down after fighting, looting in South Darfur capital (4 July 2013)