Oxfam’s response to the UN Security Council resolution on Darfur

The United Nations Security Council has voted to deploy up to 26,000 police and troops to Darfur. The Security Council voted unanimously to deploy the force in the troubled region of Sudan and approved the use of force to protect the civilians who have been driven from their homes in the conflict.

Emma Naylor, Oxfam’s Regional Campaigns Director, said: "Oxfam welcomes the attention being paid to the situation in Darfur by the UN Security Council. While we are pleased that progress has been made, concern remains that the proposed hybrid force is likely to take months to get on the ground. During this time, security problems are likely to continue – affecting the ability of aid agencies to deliver urgent aid to the people of Darfur.

"The grave humanitarian crisis requires an immediate response. The resolution on the UN-AU force should not detract from the need for parties to the conflict to cease ongoing attacks on civilians and humanitarian aid workers, and to commit to a ceasefire. The international community also needs to take immediate action to support the African Union troops already on the ground. Only then will the situation start to improve for the people of Darfur."