Following the signing of protocols aimed at ending over two decades of war between the Sudanese Government and rebels in the south, United Nations agencies Friday pledged assistance to the countrys beleaguered people.
Meeting in Naivasha, Kenya, the Government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) on Wednesday initialled three protocols on political and power sharing issues. The protocols do not affect the conflict between Arab militia and black Africans in Darfur, in western Sudan, which the UN has called the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which hailed the endorsement of the accords, there are some 500.000 Sudanese refugees and more than 3 million displaced persons in the south. With a final comprehensive peace agreement expected within two or three months, the agency said it would then begin discussing a voluntary repatriation process.
The biggest numbers of south Sudanese refugees are in Uganda (223.000), Ethiopia (88.000), the DR Congo (69.000) and Kenya (60.000).
UNHCR emergency teams deployed since December to lay the groundwork for returns have reopened offices in Juba and Rumbek. The agency, which last operated in southern Sudan in 1991, plans to set up more offices to support the repatriation that is expected after the peace deal is signed.
Of 8,8 million US dollar needed for UNHCRs Sudan preparatory programme, only about 3 million dollar has so far been received. David Lambo, director of the agencys Africa Bureau, urged donors to “step forward with the money that will help us capitalize on this framework peace accord.”
Meanwhile, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Friday pledged to invest in Sudans social services and start nationwide projects following the new accords.
– We hope both sides will soon conclude the comprehensive North-South peace agreement that all of Sudan so badly needs, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said, urging donors to commit new resources now so that major additional efforts can be launched as soon as peace is formally declared.
Thousands of children separated from their families and children recruited into armed forces will need special protection, while major movements of displaced people and returning refugees are also expected in a challenging and complex environment, UNICEF said.
– We are hopeful that Sudans natural wealth will be harnessed to the needs of children instead of war in the very near future, Ms. Bellamy said.
Kilde: FNs nyhedstjeneste
