Red Cross Response to Darfur Crisis

The conflict that began in Darfur in early 2003, pitting the government forces and Janjaweed militia against the rebel forces in western Darfur, has meant that for the last four years, Sudan has been the Red Cross Red Crescent’s largest operation worldwide. According to the United Nations, at least 200,000 people have died and more than two and a half million have been displaced in camps since the conflict erupted in Darfur in February 2003. While peace talks concerning the region of Darfur continue, the ICRC's main concerns are with it's humanitarian work in this area.

Make a donation to the victims of the Darfur crisis

Red Cross work in Gereida Camp

Gereida is an internally displaced persons camp which provides temporary shelter for over 125,000 people. Due to a serious security incident in the camp in December 2006 the majority of other humanitarian organisations were forced out leaving Red Cross Red Crescent Societies to take over the vital activities within the camp. Keeping health, water and sanitation facilities in good working order are a matter of urgency owing to the size of the camp’s population.

Displaced individuals in Darfur try to make a life in temporary camps

We are currently providing monthly rations of items such as Sorghum, lentils, salt, sugar and soap, we supervise and maintain the water system to ensure a supply of fresh water to all inhabitants of the camp and we are also currently constructing latrines to improve the sanitary conditions for those living in the camp.

The main clinic within the camp is run by the ICRC, an average of 400 medical consultations are carried out each day, therefore providing resources for the clinic is of vital importance.

Help continues in towns and villages

The Red Cross’s work is not just carried out within Gereida. Red Cross Red Crescent Societies provide assistance in those areas that it can access, aiding those who have returned to their villages, helping them to restart agricultural production and ensuring fresh water supply is available.

The reunification of families separated due to the conflict is also ongoing, it is a vital service especially when children are involved.In Abata in Western Darfur we are running ante-natal care, malaria prevention and vacination programmes.

Irish Red Cross actvities

Irish Red Cross delegate John Rowland is presently working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Khartoum. John is responsible for coordinating the logistics efforts of ICRC in Darfur and throughout Sudan. Two other Irish Red Cross delegates working in the areas of water and sanitation and health have recently returned from their missions to Darfur.

So far over a quarter of a million Euro has been sent by the Irish Red Cross to help people in the region, but more funds are urgently needed as acute human suffering will grow due of the latest upsurge in violence.

Please give what you can today to the people of Darfur by:

Making an online donation now by credit card

Calling 1850 50 70 70 to donate over the phone

Sending a cheque or postal order to

Irish Red Cross Darfur Appeal

16 Merrion Square

Dublin 2

THANK YOU.