Continuing violence in Darfur traps hundreds of thousands and leaves millions dependent on aid for their survival
Interview with MSF's International President Dr. Christophe Fournier, who has just returned from Darfur. Dr Fournier describes the humanitarian situation there as well as the work and the challenges faced MSF. He also shares his concerns over humanitarian corridors.
MSF projects in Darfur, Sudan, June 2007 Click here
Darfur, Sudan, interview with MSF's International President Dr. Christophe Fournier Click here
The violence in Darfur continues with sporadic clashes, village raids and attacks targeting civilians. Some two million displaced people eke out an existence in large cramped camps and settlements, dependant on humanitarian aid for their survival.
In the rural areas, hundreds of thousands more are trapped by the conflict and have little or no access to humanitarian assistance.
Displaced people seeking refuge in the largest settlements and camps in Darfur are receiving food, water, shelter and basic health care but only because of the massive relief operation by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. For those in the rural areas the situation is more difficult. The proliferation of warring factions presents further obstacles in reaching these isolated groups.
MSF provides humanitarian aid and medical assistance to all groups suffering from the violence: residents, displaced people and nomads. With some 2,000 employees working throughout the area, Darfur is currently MSF's largest programme. In its health facilities, MSF cares for many hundreds of thousands of displaced people, amongst whom diarrhoea and respiratory infections (mostly in children under-5) are the main problems seen by the medical staff.
Humanitarian organisations such as MSF are providing assistance in Darfur while strictly adhering to principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence.
If humanitarian convoys were to be secured by a military force, as has recently been proposed, humanitarian workers would risk becoming associated with one of the warring parties, and therefore becoming a potential target. It would become even more difficult to gain access to those desperately in need of assistance outside the major camps and settlements.
