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Scotland contributes to Darfur aid
09/07/2007
Funding of £250,000 to support more than 120,000 people in communities most affected by the violence and unrest in South and West Darfur was today announced by the Executive.
The funding will contribute to the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund's (SCIAF) emergency effort which is ongoing in the area.
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani said:
"I am delighted to be able to offer support of £250,000 to help those most in need in South and West Darfur.
"With the arrival of the rainy season, we are looking at immediate and practical solutions to support impoverished and displaced people. In an area where three quarters of the population are farmers, this money from the Scottish government will provide essential seeds, tools and training to allow people to begin planting to feed themselves and their families.
"I commend the work that SCIAF is carrying out to help the communities most affected by this humanitarian crisis. This Scottish government is committed to a progressive international development policy and I am proud that we can offer some hope and support to the people of Darfur during this crucial period."
Mary Cullen, Head of Communications and Education for SCIAF said:
"This money really will help the poorest of the poor. It will go immediately to projects on the ground in Darfur to help keep people alive through what continues to be a complex and desperate crisis. Together with the threat of violence, there is the very real risk of large scale fatalities from diseases such as cholera and malaria.
"The displaced population in Darfur now accounts for a staggering 2.1 million people, with the number of new arrivals going up all the time. Since January alone 110,000 new people have fled to camps for protection, food and shelter.
"The money generously donated to the SCIAF appeal by the Executive and the Scottish public is helping save lives and provide basic humanitarian assistance to many thousands of desperately poor people."
More than 2.1 million people have been displaced within Darfur, and a further 235,000 have fled to Chad. Having allocated £140m since April 2004, the UK is the second largest bilateral donor to Darfur after the US.
The Scottish government currently supports SCIAF's long-term education capacity building project in South Sudan with a £190,000 award from the International Development Fund.
Members of the public can make donations to the SCIAF Darfur & Chad Emergency Appeal by calling tel: 0141 354 5555 or visiting www.sciaf.org.uk.