Government slams 'unacceptable' war

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

International Development Minister Shahid Malik said the "man-made misery" in the troubled region in western Sudan could not continue.

Sunday has been designated a global day of protest against the five-year conflict in Darfur, with events planned in 30 countries around the world.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling and 13 other children's authors signed an open letter demanding the world "wake up" to the suffering of Darfur's children.

Celebrities including Matt Damon and Joely Richardson showed their opposition to the war in a series of powerful images. They were pictured destroying children's toys as a symbol of youngsters' suffering in the region.

Damon, who was photographed smashing a doll's house with a baseball bat, said: "After the genocide in Rwanda we all shook our heads and said never again. Today, as killings mount in Darfur we need to make never again a reality and demand protection for the most vulnerable."

Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney met Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday to raise his concerns about the situation in Darfur.

He said: "Days like this matter because they keep what is happening in the eyes of the international community. If we all raise our voices the international community will have to listen and respond. We need sustained international engagement if we're to see real progress on the ground."

Mr Malik said the Government and Mr Brown were committed to working to bring peace to Darfur. He said children in the region deserved the same as youngsters in the UK - safety, a loving family environment and an education system that allows them to realise their potential.

The Minister said: "The current situation is completely unacceptable. The painfully slow deployment of the peacekeeping force, Unamid, has led to acts of violence against civilians at the hands of both the rebels and the government of Sudan. Humanitarian workers are being needlessly attacked and consequently unable to access and help all those people in need. This man-made misery cannot continue."