United Nations Radio

UN Spokesperson Michele Montas reports that 40 years after it began operations in eastern Sudan, the UN Refugee Agency is warning that there are still no viable prospects for refugees there to voluntarily return to their countries of origin.

Sudanese refugees

"According to UNHCR Sudan Representative Peter De Clercq, some 1,800 refugees continue to arrive there every month from neighboring countries. Most of them are from Eritrea, with smaller numbers from Ethiopia and Somalia. "

The Spokesperson says the agency has also called on the Government of Sudan to work with aid agencies in ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers.

He appealed for the release of two peacekeepers from the Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and two abducted female workers from the aid group GOAL.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
Duration: 47"