27 Dec 2006 - With more than 2 million people driven from their homes, Darfur has been described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.  Despite the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement in May 2006, the situation continues to deteriorate.  Fighting between militias, rebels and government troops is increasing across the region and the people of Darfur are suffering violence, atrocities and abduction.

The International Rescue Committee is still seeing thousands of new arrivals in the many camps for displaced people that have been set up throughout the region. Humanitarian aid is also being targeted and the ability of aid workers to access vulnerable populations is increasingly constrained.

Women and girls are at particular risk of violence when they leave the camps to gather firewood, wild foods, water or animal fodder. As reported by the IRC, more than 200 sexual assaults were reported in the vicinity of Kalma camp over a five-week period in August.

High levels of banditry and violence are severely limiting access for aid workers. Large parts of Darfur now completely cut off from relief efforts.

IRC Position Paper [PDF]: Darfur: Escalating Violence and Increasing Suffering

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