Darfur humanitarians face funding crisis
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2008 11:38
Darfur aid workers face transport cutbacks
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Aid deliveries to civilians suffering in Sudan's troubled Darfur region are about to be reduced because of a lack of funding.
The UN World Food Programme's humanitarian air service (HAS) provides all transport by air in Darfur for the region's 14,000 aid workers, as the five-year-old conflict between rebels and government-backed militia forces continues.
Travel by road is often impossible because of insecurity, banditry or poor road conditions but HAS is facing budget cuts from $6.2 million (£3.2 million) to $5.2 million (£2.7 million) spending per month.
HAS' helicopter fleet will be reduced from six to five while other cuts, including the cancellation of fixed-wing contracts and the number of regular flights from Khartoum to Darfur, are also planned.
Only the infusion of $20 million (£10.2 million) before June 15th will prevent the cutbacks from taking place, WFP's Sudan representative Kenro Oshidari warns.
"Since March, we've been facing the possible closure of the air service because of a lack of funds," he said.
"The measures announced today are aimed to keep vital services going for longer, while we wait for new funding to be confirmed.
"Undoubtedly, this is a blow to the humanitarian effort in Sudan. The impact will be felt by vulnerable people who depend on the international community for crucial services."
Donors have provided 17 per cent of HAS' required budget so far in 2008. It has received $900,000 (£460,000) from private donors, compared to $4.5 million (£2.3 million) from the European Union and $3.25 million (£1.7 million) from the US.