Dewsbury MP condemns ‘man-made misery’ of Darfur
14 April 2008
Local MP Shahid Malik in his role as International Development Minister led the government's response to Darfur Day by meeting British and Darfuri children at 10 Downing Street and listening to their concerns. Before taking them into one of the State rooms at No10, he along with 11 year old Roa Hassan, who came to the UK 3 years ago from Darfur, spoke to journalists.One of the delegation to No10, child survivor Roa Hassan, said: "I think every child in Darfur deserves to be educated as we are. We have the privilege of being really safe."
Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik has condemned the "completely unacceptable" war in Darfur, adding his voice to calls from celebrities and writers for the killing to stop.
The International Development Minister said the "man-made misery" in the troubled region in western Sudan could not continue.
Last Sunday was designated a global day of protest against the five-year conflict in Darfur, with events planned in 30 countries around the world. Harry Potter author JK Rowling and 13 other children's authors signed an open letter demanding the world "wake up" to the suffering of Darfur's children.
Mr Malik said the Labour government was committed to working to bring peace to Darfur. He said children in the region deserved the same as youngsters in the UK - safety, a loving family environment and an education system that allows them to realise their potential.
Shahid said: "The current situation is completely unacceptable. The painfully slow deployment of the peacekeeping force, Unamid, has led to acts of violence against civilians at the hands of both the rebels and the government of Sudan. Humanitarian workers are being needlessly attacked and consequently unable to access and help all those people in need. This man-made misery cannot continue."