This snapshot, taken on 02/08/2004, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

Statement

From the Department for International Development

22 May 2004

Breakthrough on humanitarian access to Darfur

The following statement is attributable to the Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn:

'I welcome the announcement by the Sudanese Foreign Minister of new measures governing the issue of visas and travel permits to humanitarian workers wishing to travel to Darfur. I raised this key issue with Dr Mustapha during his visit to the UK earlier this month and I spoke to him again on Thursday. The UK Special Representative and our Ambassador in Khartoum have also had discussions with in this past week with the Government of Sudan.

We hope these new measures will facilitate humanitarian assistance to meet urgent and immediate needs in Darfur. We will monitor closely implementation over the coming days. We call on all parties to co-operate fully in the deployment of the AU-led ceasefire monitoring mission and to move towards inclusive political talks on the future of Darfur as soon as possible.'

Notes to editors:

1. The Sudanese Foreign Minister, Dr Mustapha Osman Ismail, has announced new arrangements for travel to Darfur. These include:

  • All new visas for NGOs, donors, the ICRC, the UN and other humanitarian workers going to Darfur will be issued by Sudanese embassies within 48 hours
  • Visas will now last three months rather than just one
  • The requirement for travel permits to travel from Khartoum to Darfur has been cancelled. Notification of travel plans is now the sole requirement
  • Unrestricted movement in Darfur is now permitted, subject to UN security co-ordinating movements 
  • A special customs officer will be appointed to facilitate the smooth movement of humanitarian freight. 

The statement also included an appeal for the African Union (AU) to send its monitoring team to Darfur as soon as possible.

2. Dr Mustapha met with Hilary Benn during a visit to London on May 11 2004

3. For further background on the situation in Darfur and details of DFID's humanitarian assistance programme, visit: www.dfid.gov.uk 

Back to Top

Press Enquiries: 020 7023 0600 Overseas (+44 20 7023 0600)
Public Enquiries: 0845 3004100 Overseas (+44 1355 84 3132)