The continuing siege of the Kalma camp aggravates the humanitarian crisis for civilians in Darfur

Cairo, on 26 of August 2008

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 26^th 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.

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