British bishop calls for massive aid effort for Sudanese refugees

Published: 2004-07-27

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- A British bishop has called for a massive humanitarian aid effort for the Darfur region of Sudan, where more than a million people have been driven from their homes. Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue of Lancaster said in a July 26 statement that the political situation in Sudan also needed to be addressed. Bishop O'Donoghue, chairman of the British bishops' office for refugee policy, said Darfurians were in "urgent need of protection and aid to stem the threat of illnesses, hunger and death." He said, "It is important that the Sudanese government and the international community work together to create a peaceful and secure environment, so that the people of Darfur, if they choose to, can return to their homes in safety and dignity." Aid agencies are saying the situation will deteriorate as the region's rainy season is about to begin, he said. The bishop also asked British Catholics to pray for peace and reconciliation in Sudan.

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