United Nations Radio

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is stepping up its operations in Darfur this year to focus on protection activities, including monitoring the wellbeing of refugees, displaced people and returnees in accessible villages.

UNHCR says it will also strengthen its role in camp management and coordination issues.

Spokesman Ron Redmond says as such, the agency is also appealing for US$40 million.

"The challenges in Darfur have never been greater with a pervasive conflict spreading across the region displacing more civilians and creating a very insecure environment for humanitarian workers. Preventing sexual and gender-based violence also remains a key challenge."

Redmond says UNHCR also plans to extend its operational presence to North and South Darfur.

And he adds the funds will be primarily used to help displaced Darfurians as well as refugees from Chad and the Central African Republic who have fled inter-ethnic clashes in their own countries.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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