Brussels, 25/08/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the European Commission allocated a further €20 million in humanitarian aid for the victims of the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan , which brings total Commission aid for the Darfur crisis to €104 for this year. A cash donation worth €15 million - will help the World Food Programme (WFP) implement a massive food distribution programme from now and through the winter months. The remaining €5 million will be used to provide food security, protection and care for vulnerable groups, shelter and essential items and basic sanitation services, explained the Commission press statement.
Poul Nielson, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Development, commenting on the situation in Darfur, said the situation could deteriorate further. He launched another appeal for a peaceful solution to the conflict and improved access for humanitarian workers. All armed groups had to "bring this violence to an end once and for all", which had claimed the lives of thousands of people in the region, insisted Mr Nielson.