ECHO visit
On 11th April 2005, Antonio F. de Velasco, Humanitarian Aid Directorate General of the European Commission (ECHO) visited Sudan's troubled Darfur region.
Mr. de Velasco visited the Kerinding II camp which is managed by Islamic Relief. Kerinding II is home to around 5,000 people who fled their homes after fighting spread across Darfur.
Mr. de Valesco was taken round the camp and shown IR's projects in Darfur.
As well as managing the camp, the IR team have drilled 40 wells, in and around the camp, constructed 100 latrines, and conducted several hygiene workshops for residents of the camp.
Canadian Ambassador visits Darfur
The visits by officials from ECHO was followed a week later by a visit from the Canadian ambassador, His Excellency Robert Fowler.
The Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation of Canadian diplomats, and met IR staff in the camp.
The delegation was briefed on IR's intervention in west Darfur, particularly the progress made in Kerinding II.
Another meeting was arranged with camp elders and women who spoke to the Ambassador about their lives in the camp.
Ambassador Robert Fowler speaking with women from Kerinding II
IR in Darfur
The IR team is managing the Kerinding II camp for displaced families, many of whom had been living in local schools.
The people in the camp regularly receive food, plastic sheeting, soap, jerrycans and local building materials to build traditional homes.
Islamic Relief has also begun registering Kerinding II's orphans who will receive additional support.
Kerinding II has a health clinic that services the camp as well as the local population.