ICRC: ‘Positive’ talks with government, Sudan Red Crescent about operations

The director of operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), concluded a visit to Sudan with a “positive” response from the government on Thursday. Stillhart discussed the scope of the ICRC's humanitarian work with government representatives and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society.

The suspension of the ICRC's activities in the country was lifted at the end of 2014, allowing the organisation to deliver emergency assistance to over a quarter of a million people in Darfur in the first half of 2015. It recently facilitated the handover of 18 detainees released in Darfur.

“Our commitment to helping people in Sudan affected by the violence on all sides remains firm and unchanged. We stand ready to step up the delivery of food and other essential items, drinking water and medical care in conflict-affected areas,” Dominik Stillhart said. “In this respect, we are encouraged by the positive message we received during our meetings with the Sudanese authorities this week.”

During his visit to Sudan, Stillhart met with the president of the Sudanese Red Crescent, the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, as well as with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security.

The Sudanese Red Crescent Society, the ICRC's main partner in the country. They discussed ways to further enhance cooperation and strengthen the partnership in response to humanitarian needs.

The ICRC began working in Sudan in 1978, expanding its operations to include Darfur in 2003. The organisation currently provides assistance to people in Darfur suffering from the effects of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

(Source: ICRC)