Sudan states that it intends to return 200,000 people who have become homeless in the war-torn region of Darfur to their homes, but the United Nations is demanding that the Khartoum government first improve security in the area. The UN has been informed of the plan to return the displaced persons through the Sudanese government and has reacted by emphasizing that the return must be voluntary. The UN reports that most of the displaced individuals have told aid workers that they are unwilling to return until their safety in Darfur is guaranteed. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell stated on Tuesday that he would consult with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan this week regarding the possibility of action against Sudan in the UN Security Council. Attacks by the militia known as Janjaweed against local rebels in Darfur have so far resulted in thousands of deaths and left a large number of people homeless, with estimates of the displaced reaching one million. The Janjaweed militia is supported by the central Sudanese government.
Sudan: We Want to Return 200,000 Displaced Persons from Darfur to Their Homes - 2004-07-21
Sudan plans to return 200,000 displaced persons from Darfur but faces pressure from the UN to ensure security first. Many displaced individuals refuse to return until their safety is guaranteed. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is considering actions against Sudan in the UN Security Council.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Sudanese government announced plans to return 200,000 displaced persons to Darfur, but the UN insists that security must be improved first. Many displaced individuals are unwilling to return until their safety is guaranteed.
- The UN emphasizes that the return of displaced persons must be voluntary.
- The Janjaweed militia, supported by the Sudanese government, has caused significant violence and displacement in Darfur.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Darfur has been the site of a severe humanitarian crisis since the early 2000s, with widespread violence leading to mass displacement. The international community has been involved in efforts to address the crisis.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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