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Cairo, on 26 of August 2008
The continuing siege of the Kalma camp aggravates the humanitarian
crisis for civilians in Darfur
For the second day, the suffering of civilians living in “Kalma” camp
for internally homeless (in the east of “Nyala” city, South of “Darfur”
region) is continued; given the continuing blockade on the camp by the
Sudanese government forces. Through the Center’s follow-up of the
situation in the camp, it has received reports of increasing rates of
human suffering of children and women, where the Centre received
information indicating the disappearance of nearly 70 children. Those
children are likely being dead, given the deteriorating conditions
inside the camp. In addition, approximately 45 women subjected to
abortion.
The information indicated that the camp is currently under the siege of
100 military vehicles "Land Cruiser" equipped with heavy weapons.
Worth mentioning, that the government forces attacked “Kalma” camp for
internally forced displaced persons inside Darfur, which includes more
than 170 thousand displaced persons, on August 25 2008. These attacks
have resulted in the death of nearly 170 civilians and wounded hundreds
of children and women, this attack also led to the burning and looting
of civilian properties along with the destruction of the headquarters of
one of the humanitarian organizations working in this camp, it is called
“El Amal” Center for treatment and legal advice.
Today August 26th 2008, the eye witnesses in the “Kalma” camp
informed about the continuing siege of military vehicles and preventing
reporters and news agencies from covering those events.
These attacks represent a serious violation of the international law in
general and the international humanitarian law, especially Article III
common of the four Geneva Conventions, in terms of requiring parties to
armed conflicts to not to be subjected to civilians.
The Centre expresses its extreme concern over the aggravation of the
humanitarian crisis of civilians in the camp especially women and
children, and it calls on the international community and humanitarian
relief organizations especially the “International Red Cross” to
interfere immediately and urgently to reduce the growing humanitarian
crisis inside the camp. Moreover, it demands the Sudanese government to
commit with its international commitments and to allow relief
organizations to play their role without hindrance. |
