UN says security worsening in Darfur, relief work hampered

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

GENEVA (AFP) — Humanitarian organisations expressed alarm over worsening security in Sudan's conflict-wracked Darfur region, where the UN refugee agency has been forced to cancel several missions.

The spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ron Redmond, said trips had been planned by UNHCR staff to Djebel Moon in west Darfur, north of El Geneina, and Masteri, 50 kilometres (30 miles) to the south of El Geneina, but were not currently possible.

"Recently there were more reports on rebel activity, and that is a concern to us because of the possibility of retaliatory action. ... We are concerned about the risk of further displacement towards Chad," Redmond said.

Since February last year, the three western Darfur provinces of Sudan have been...