Top UN official concerned over worsening condition in Darfur

A top UN human rights official has voiced alarm over reports of worsening conditions of civilians in the South Darfur, where fighting between Sudanese Govt forces and rebels has led to at least 30 deaths and displacement of some 30,000 people.

A top UN human rights official has voiced alarm over reports of worsening conditions of civilians in the South Darfur, where fighting between Sudanese government forces and rebels has led to at least 30 deaths and displacement of some 30,000 people.

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"I'm extremely concerned at the impact the fighting is having on the already dire humanitarian situation in Muhajeria," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

The fighting that broke out on January 15 in the area between Government forces and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) has exposed tens of thousands of civilians to violence, destroyed an aid agency's office and forced the UN to relocate its staff.

Pillay called on the government and the armed groups involved to allow access to humanitarian relief to prevent a further deterioration of the situation in Muhajeria.

The violence has led to at least 30 deaths, including women and children, with dozens more wounded, the High Commissioner's Office said. Of the 30,000 people uprooted by the fighting, about 5,000 have sought refuge in the vicinity of an African Union-UN mission in Darfur military camp in Muhajeria, while many others have fled to other destinations on the outskirts of the town.