DARFUR / GUTERRES

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres warned today the worsening situation in Sudan's Darfur region threatens to spark another round of massive displacement that could destabilize the entire region.

In reaction to the continued uncertainty of the deployment of a UN force and the possibility of a departure of the African Union forces in Darfur, Guterres urged the Government of Sudan to put its people first.

SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees:
"My appeal is for Sudan, for the government of Sudan, to help protect its own people and let the international community to act in a way that would allow for the people of Darfur to have peace, to have security, and to be properly assisted and for that - the positive attitude of the Government of Sudan is absolutely crucial."

The UN refugee agency has more than 100 staff in the Darfur region working with the over 2 million displaced persons in the region. The agency also manages twelve camps in Chad which shelter more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees from Darfur.

Guterres emphasized that the absence of an international force could result in an upsurge in violence and further refugees.

SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees:
"Any new influx would of course cause us tremendous problems and would of course very strongly diminish the livelihood conditions of the affected population."

Since May 12 aid workers have been killed and humanitarian convoys have been the target of attacks.

The border between Darfur and Eastern Chad is an extremely inhospitable area that has witnessed frequent cross borders raids. Guterres says a further deterioration in security could cause a humanitarian catastrophe.