Ban pledges UN assistance in efforts to free abducted aid workers in Darfur

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that the United Nations would “spare no effort” in trying to help secure the release of two female aid workers who have been abducted in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

Unknown gunmen abducted Sharon Commins of Ireland and Uganda’s Hilda Kawuki, who both work for the non-governmental organization (NGO) known as GOAL, on the evening of 3 July from their office in the North Darfur town of Kutum. A Sudanese guard was also taken but later released.

Mr. Ban told journalists in Dublin, following talks with Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Brian Cowen, that he was “sorry and concerned” about the abduction.

“I assure you that we will spare no effort in providing necessary support and cooperation – in terms of logistics, in terms of providing information, in terms of working together with the Sudanese Government… in trying to identify and locate and try to have a safe return of your nationals,” Mr. Ban said.