According to a World Vision Canada assessment of security in Darfur, increased lack of security will make it very unlikely that those living in camps will be able to safely return to their homes any time soon.

"The findings have been reinforced by the recent killings of aid workers in Darfur, and by the decision of at least one major aid organization to withdraw," said Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada who took part in the mission. "Aid organizations have been meeting the basic needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Darfur. But the lack of security is making the job more difficult as time goes by," said Toycen.

Toycen adds that there are still many people in Darfur who have not been reached, and that the current levels of insecurity will make it even more difficult to get aid to these people. 

"It's essential for the African Union to increase the number of ceasefire monitors in Darfur, and that they be given an expanded mandate so they can protect civilians," said Toycen.

World Vision urges all parties to the conflict to observe the ceasefire agreements and to recommit themselves to the peace talks taking place in Naivasha and Abuja.

World Vision is currently providing food aid to 175,000 people in South Darfur, as well as primary health care services to 100,000 people, while also focusing on providing access to clean water, latrines, protection and education. Recently, the Canadian government gave World Vision funds to establish several child-friendly spaces where children can go to play, wash up, even sleep for a few hours, in safe surroundings.  World Vision also plans to expand its operations in South Darfur in the coming weeks.

World Vision is an international Christian relief and development organization working in more than 90 countries around the world, providing help to more than 85 million people each year.