VISITS by politicians to camps in Darfur for displaced people to see and hear for themselves the horror of being raped, made homeless and living with insufficient food and water are vital and give them an insight into the lives of people who are victims of conflict. But the hardest part is translating this experience into action.
The international community is facing a critical test. It has so far failed to end the violence causing the crisis and has provided insufficient aid for the two million people affected. While Oxfam will continue work in the camps trying to save lives, without an end to the violence the task is overwhelming.
We hope that when Jack Straw returns to his desk in Westminster he does all he can to ensure that the people he met in Darfur are not forgotten and puts real energy into bringing the international community together to bring about a solution to the crisis.
CHRIS WORRALL, Oxfam Northwest, Exchange Square, Manchester.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article