Neu-Anspach(Frankfurt)/El Fasher
- Due to the recent clashes in North Darfur, the PAI Program Office Sudan has ceased operations in the Khazan Tunger area, south-west of El Fahser. The suspension of activities leaves about 20.000 people without medical care.
On the 15th of September, PAI received an eyewitness account from a reliable source that the primary health care clinic in Khazan Tunger had been razed when four adjacent villages were burned and looted by an armed group. As a clear violation of the principles of respect for humanitarian actors, these accounts were subsequently reported in the international press.
After receiving further information from the conflict area, it is now clear that the clinic in question is damaged ? not, as previously reported, destroyed. Two local staff members detained by one of the armed parties have now been released.
In view of ongoing fighting throughout the region, PAI appeals to all actors to respect the neutrality of humanitarian staff and assets. Furthermore, humanitarian agencies must be granted safe passage as they seek to assist the many injured and displaced by the most recent clashes.
PAI has been active in North Darfur since 2005, implementing humanitarian assistance projects in primary health care, health promotion, nutrition, and education. PAI restarted health care services in the region of Khazan Tunger in May 2008. Elsewhere in North Darfur, PAI maintains humanitarian services in Al Salam IDP Camp, Dar el Salam, and East Jebel Mara.
Partner Aid International is an international organization for relief and development cooperation. Its international coordination offices are located in Frankfurt, Germany. More information is available through info@partner-aid-international.org or on the internet at www.partner-aid-international.org.