The Secretary-General met today with international non-governmental
organizations to discuss the continuing violence in Darfur, and to
underline the crucial role of NGOs in the international community's efforts
there. The Secretary-General stressed as critical the ability of NGOs to
operate without restrictions in Darfur -- including to report freely on
violations of human rights and humanitarian law, which are continuing on a
daily basis. The Secretary-General expressed his deep concern about the
rising level of threats against relief workers in Darfur, and called on all
parties to ensure their safety and security.

The participants, which included major operational and advocacy NGOs,
also discussed the urgent need for further action by the Security Council
-- including on the question of adopting targeted sanctions and on
referring of the Darfur situation to the International Criminal Court, as
recommended by the International Commission of Inquiry. The participants
pressed hard for a greatly expanded force to focus on the protection of
civilians. They stressed the need for action now on all these issues,
expressing concern about delays in the Security Council. The
Secretary-General offered to facilitate a meeting between the Security
Council and NGOs under the Arria formula.

The Secretary-General thanked the NGOs for their courageous work in
assisting the men, women and children affected by the conflict, thus
providing the backbone of the humanitarian response in Darfur. He praised
them for their persistent advocacy in helping to place the Darfur crisis on
the international agenda ? and, even more importantly, helping to keep it
there.