KHARTOUM, SUDAN (ANS) -- A Catholic aid worker of Belgium's charity Caritas was shot and seriously injured while delivering vital medical supplies to a refugee camp in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, Catholic officials said Wednesday September 1.
The man, whose nationality was not revealed, "came under fire as he was traveling in a vehicle carrying aid supplies to Mershing," in southern Darfur, the Roman Catholic charity was quoted as saying.
It has added to concern about Christian relief efforts to tackle what aid workers call the "world’s worst humanitarian crisis", said an official of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).
Director Chris Bain of CAFOD told Independent Catholic News (ICN) that "this incident demonstrates the highly dangerous situation" aid agencies are operating in. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver and his family," he said.
SECURITY PRIORITY
Bain stressed that "staff security is a priority" and that his organization is doing "everything" to protect its workers and partners. "Without this we cannot deliver vital aid to the thousands of displaced people suffering starvation and disease," he added.
The official said that "the international community must continue to put direct pressure on the Government of Sudan and all warring parties to protect civilians and the workers racing to deliver humanitarian aid."
Despite the attack, Caritas Spokeswoman Jessica Hertsens was quoted as saying that her organization would remain in the region, where it has been providing food, shelter and drinking water since June as well as health and education services in camps for displaced persons.
DOZENS KIDNAPPED
But staying in the region is made difficult by reports that two groups of 22 Sudanese health workers and eight Sudanese working for international agencies have been reported kidnapped in Darfur this week, the French Press Agency (AFP) said.
Rebel leaders have strongly denied government charges that they were involved.
The United Nations reportedly estimates that the 18-month conflict between Sudan's government, backed by Arab militia allies, and two rebel groups, has forced over 1.4 million people from their homes and left 30,000 to 50,000 dead.
RSS