UN warns of slow donor response for Sudan, where 600,000 people may starve

Warning of an "impending catastrophe" in Sudan, where 600,000 people are at immediate risk of starvation, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator on Friday expressed deep concern about the "very poor response" of donors to the country's deteriorating humanitarian situation.

Kenzo Oshima noted that in addition to the pressing survival needs of several million displaced and vulnerable people affected by war and conflict, widespread drought was now threatening hundreds of thousands of others. Nearly three months ago, the UN appealed for $244 million to provide food and other assistance for more than 3 million beleaguered Sudanese people.

At least $60 million is needed to fend off starvation for 600,000 of Sudan's most vulnerable people. The donor community has contributed little more than 1 per cent of the needed $244 million, and carryover funds and supplies from the previous year are fast running out, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.