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UN concerned over impact of ongoing hostilities in Darfur on civilians

Xinhua, January 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the impact of the ongoing hostilities in Darfur on thousands of civilians who have been forced to flee their homes amid the conflict that began two weeks ago.

"Initial reports indicate that about 19,000 civilians have fled into North Darfur state, and up to 15,000 into Central Darfur state, following fighting in the mountainous Jebel Marra region that straddles three Darfur states," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The protection of civilians remains our paramount concern during conflict," Marta Ruedas, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, said in the statement.

"While it is encouraging that some humanitarian assistance is being provided, clearly much more is needed and we are working with our national and international partners on the ground to ascertain how the vulnerable can be helped during this time," she added.

The UN official further urged the warring parties to allow "safe and unfettered access to provide timely assistance to those in need."

Two weeks ago, clashes erupted between the Sudanese army and the rebels of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Abdul-Wahid Nur faction around Jebel Marra area in Sudan's Central Darfur State. Endit