The European Commission announced on Monday a further €40 million ($51 million) contribution in humanitarian aid to assist the conflict-torn Darfur region of Sudan.

The EU will use €26 million ($33.1 million) to support the World Food Program which is providing the affected Sudanese with basic nutritional needs. The rest of the funding will be used to finance civilian protection the UN humanitarian air services, the air freight arm which delivers aid to the affected area. The European Commission has contributed more than €340 million ($433 million) worth of aid in the past two years in response to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Darfur is suffering one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The European Union is playing a leading role both in the search for a political solution, and improve the humanitarian situation, but we can do more, EC President José Manuel Barroso said during a recent visit to El Fasher, in North Darfur

The Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, will manage the distribution of the funds. Following his recent trip to Khartoum and El Fasher, Michel voiced deep concern over the living conditions of Darfur civilians.

International law must be respected, Michel said. That means guaranteeing access to victims and a humanitarian space for agencies to deliver essential relief. I call on the authorities and the rebel movements to respect their obligations and do what is needed to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers alike.

Sudan