The Director-General of this UN agency announced in a press statement that a humanitarian worker from the International Organization for Migration had been killed, on Friday, in the fighting in Sudan.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of a dedicated IOM staff member in Sudan this morning, when the car he was traveling in with his family in South El Obeid was caught in an exchange of fire between two warring parties.”said Antonio Vitorino.
sequel after announcement
The Sudanese man was 49 years old, then the organization’s spokesman indicated, adding that the car he was in was private.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of our fellow humanitarian, and I join his wife and newborn baby, and our team in Sudan in mourning.”he added.
‘Peace must be restored’
Three World Food Program staff were also killed last week in the fighting that has raged in Sudan since mid-April between the regular army and paramilitary forces.
“The senseless deaths of civilians, including humanitarian workers, that claimed the lives of three WFP staff members in North Darfur on Saturday must end, and peace must be restored.”Antonio Vitorino asked.
sequel after announcement
From Burma to Sudan, great gains for the putschists
The outbreak of violence in Sudan has forced the International Organization for Migration – like other humanitarian organizations – to suspend the work of its organizations in the country. But the population, which is already very weak, lacks everything.
“The safety of all IOM staff is my top priority”argued the head of this specialized agency based in Geneva.
“All parties must ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and allow them unfettered access to assist the most vulnerable.”he insisted.
In Sudan, the Eid al-Fitr festival begins under bombardment, despite calls for a ceasefire
The International Organization for Migration – which looks after migrants but also provides assistance to the internally displaced – has been working in Sudan since 2000. It estimates that before the recent clashes there were 3.7 million people displaced within the country.
Prior to the recent outbreak of violence, 15.8 million people in Sudan, a third of the population, were in need of humanitarian assistance.
