Help vital relief work in Darfur, Sudan

According to a recent report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs aid worker casualties have tripled over the last decade, reaching over 100 deaths per year. “From 2005 onwards the largest numbers of violent attacks on humanitarian personnel have been concentrated in a small number of countries representing the most difficult and volatile operating environments.” Sudan is second on this list.

In addition, aid workers are dealing with the unpredictable consequences of the post-referendum period. There are clashes between the SPLA and SPLM in South Sudan and there is intercommunity violence in Abey (the undermined zone between North and South Sudan) between the Misyaria tribe and Dinka groups.

The need for RedR’s safety and security training in Sudan continues to rise as demonstrated by our increase in course participants. Across all our courses we trained 310 relief workers in the last three months of 2010, a 12% increase from the previous quarter – which translates to 33 better skilled, and more prepared relief workers in the field. During this time, 97% of the total aid workers participating were Sudanese staff from 50 humanitarian agencies.

We do need your help again. RedR’s current government funding ended in February 2011. Though we have submitted a proposal for South and North Sudan (including Darfur) for the next two years, we’re still awaiting a decision. Your support would be tremendously appreciated to get us through this time period. Further, On March 16, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project! There is $75,000 available in matching funds. Your support timed with this matching scheme would be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you for your continued interest in our programmes.