To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Sudanese government’s decision to expel the staff of a number of international aid agencies from Darfur on the humanitarian situation in the region; what representations his Department has made to the Sudanese government following these expulsions; and if he will make a statement. (263516)

I have been asked to reply.

The expulsion of 13 major international (and three national) non-governmental organisations will have a devastating impact on levels of humanitarian assistance in Sudan. UN officials have told the UN Security Council this will disrupt up to 50 per cent. of the current humanitarian effort in Darfur. Consequences will be most severe in Darfur, but will also affect humanitarian, recovery and development assistance throughout north Sudan, particularly in conflict-affected regions of the transitional areas and the east.

Our ambassador has urged government of Sudan to reverse its decision. The EU issued a statement on 10 March 2009 calling upon government of Sudan to urgently reconsider their decision, and ensure that humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Sudan be continuously guaranteed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Darfur. (263543)

I have been asked to reply.

The expulsion of 13 major international (and three national) non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will have a devastating impact on levels of humanitarian assistance in Sudan. UN officials have told the UN Security Council this will disrupt up to 50 per cent. of the current humanitarian effort in Darfur. Consequences will be most severe in Darfur, but will also affect humanitarian and recovery and development assistance throughout north Sudan particularly in conflict-affected regions of the transitional areas and the east. As well as increased risk of disease, malnutrition and deaths, lack of water, food and shelter could increase insecurity, particularly in large, volatile camps like Kalma (90,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and Gereida (130,000) in south Darfur. Civil disturbances and mass movement of IDPs seeking help could quickly take the situation out of control.

The UK is the second biggest bilateral humanitarian donor after the US, and we have requested that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs brief the UN Security Council on the current situation on the ground. Together with the UN and NGOs we are keeping the situation under close review and are urgently exploring all options to fill the gap left by this action. Initial reports estimate that this could take months if Sudan does not reverse its decision in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to ensure that aid reaches those who need it in Darfur; and if he will make a statement. (263548)

I have been asked to reply.

The UK is the second biggest bilateral humanitarian donor after the US, and we have requested that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs brief the UN Security Council on the current situation on the ground. Together with the UN and non-governmental organisations we are keeping the situation under close review and are urgently exploring all options to fill the gap left by this action. Initial reports estimate that this could take months if Sudan does not reverse its decision in the near future.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made a statement on 4 March 2009 in which he strongly urged all parties in Sudan to avoid escalation, maintain order and protect embassies, international personnel and humanitarian workers, and above all the Sudanese civilians who have already suffered so much.

The statement is available for viewing at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/latest-news/?view=Press S&id:=14479209