France condemns expulsion of 20 humanitarian workers from Darfur

France on Wednesday condemned the Sudanese government for the expulsion from Darfur of 20 humanitarian workers for the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). France blasted the latest expulsions at a time when security is precarious for refugees and those seeking to flee the fighting. “This decision that is without justification comes at a time when the humanitarian security situation in Darfur remains worrying,” a French statement said, noting France “condemns the expulsion of twenty workers” with the UNHCR. The move by Sudanese authorities “is an obstacle to the aid brought by the UNHCR to the two million displaced people from Darfur, of which 1.2 million are in camps,” Paris said. Recalling their attachment to humanitarian principles and “unfettered access” to those in need, the French authorities called on Khartoum “to renew as quickly as possible the work permits for the UNHCR employees so that they can pursue their action to help the populations of Darfur.”