Statement attributable to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za'tari

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr Ali Al-Za'tari, has expressed deep concern about the impact on civilians of the escalation in fighting between Sudan and South Sudan in the Higlig area of South Kordofan, and continued fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement – North. “I call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure that civilians are protected and assisted”, Mr. Al-Za'tari said.

According to reports received by the United Nations, in the last two weeks alone more than 35,000 civilians have fled fighting in the Talodi and Higlig areas, adding to the large number of people already displaced or severely affected by the fighting that began in South Kordofan in June 2011. The displaced people are in urgent need of food, water, shelter and medical supplies.

The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator stressed that the United Nations and its partners will continue their efforts to support the Government and national NGOs in delivering humanitarian assistance to all those affected by the ongoing fighting and insecurity.