The top United Nations humanitarian official yesterday urged all parties to the conflict in Darfur to ensure that humanitarian workers are free of harassment and intimidation as they endeavor to help those in need.
In his last briefing to the Security Council as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes noted that the humanitarian situation in the area is steadily deteriorating this year due to resumed clashes between Government forces and rebels, and stepped up tribal fighting, UN news agency reported.
Mr. Holmes revealed that the level of restrictions imposed on humanitarian operations, and of harassment, threats and violence directed at humanitarian personnel, is once again becoming unacceptable.
He added that the actions render the civilians being helped by the aid workers and UN more vulnerable. Mr. Holmes pointed to the recent politically-driven deadly violence over the Darfur peace process in Kalma camp, one of the largest sites sheltering people uprooted by fighting. Thousands of Kalma’s residents have had their lives disrupted, forcing many to flee, hampering the delivery of humanitarian services.