End Darfur attacks, UK urges Sudan

[struggle4progress]

The UK yesterday demanded immediate steps by Sudan to provide security for the more than 1m people who have fled their homes in the western Darfur region.

Hilary Benn, UK international development secretary, insisted during talks in Sudan that it was up to the government to bring attacks by Arab militias on African peasant farming communities under control. Refugees and human rights organisations have accused Sudan government forces of combining with the militias in a joint campaign of destruction following the emergence of two rebel groups in the region last year.

Promising more British humanitarian aid, Mr Benn said the UK would provide funding and seek support from other donors to send a team of United Nations human rights monitors to the region to oversee the situation and look into possible crimes against humanity committed during the past years' conflict.

The UK has already put up the initial funding for 120 monitors from the African Union to supervise a ceasefire agreed two months ago, which has only partly held. The first batch of ceasefire monitors is in the process of being deployed from the Darfur town of Al-Fashir.
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[gottaB]

1. Annan's statement today

Annan: Darfur deal a must for success in Sudan

Annan calls for advance team ahead of expected peace mission in southern Sudan

on edit, adding another story

Britain prefers monitors to military action to avert disaster in Sudan

"The British government ruled out international military intervention yesterday in the face of the impending humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and is instead placing its faith in a small African Union contingent sent in to monitor the shaky ceasefire."