Norway Provides USD 9 million to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

 Issue Date: June 28 2011
 
Over the past month, nearly 200,000 people have been forced to flee, and an unknown number have been killed.
 
“The situation for the civilian population in the border areas is extremely serious. There are worrying reports of attacks on civilians. The Sudanese authorities have a responsibility to ensure access for humanitarian relief. Norway is now providing additional funds to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population. We also encourage other donor countries to assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
 
“There is still a great need for humanitarian relief in Sudan. We are providing support for pre-positioning food and other emergency supplies in case the situation for people on the ground deteriorates,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.
 
On 9 July, Mr Solheim will take part in the celebration of independence in Juba, the capital of the new state of South Sudan.
 
Sudan is among the top recipient countries of Norwegian aid. Norway is heavily engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts, development cooperation and humanitarian relief. So far this year, Norway has provided USD 43 million to meet humanitarian needs in Sudan.
 
Sixty per cent of Norway’s additional contribution will be allocated to the Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund, which has been established to target funds to the most critical humanitarian needs through humanitarian projects run by the UN and partner agencies. The remaining money will be disbursed for measures such as capacity-building of the South Sudanese Red Cross and providing clean water and sanitary facilities to displaced people and vulnerable groups. Norway also supports the UN’s coordinating role in South Sudan. 

 Press contact, Norwegian Consulate General in Juba: Eivind Vad Petersson,
+249 (0) 959 000 258