Update: Malnutrition Rises

On the ground:
The malnutrition rate of refugees from Darfur has risen to 16.1% from 12.9% last year.  The UN classifies rates higher than 15% as emergency situations.  Many factors could have contributed to the rise, including the 150% increase in attacks on aid workers since last year.

SLM leaders told the Sudan Tribune Tuesday that government militias have attacked West Darfur.  They claim that the government’s refusal to follow the ceasefire is a reason that rebel groups will not participate in peace talks.

Diplomatically:
The UN approved a budget of 1.2 billion dollars for the UNAMID peacekeeping force Saturday.

President Bush approved the transfer of 34 camps to UNAMID earlier this month.  The U.S. will turn over the equipment, with an estimated worth of 40 million dollars, by January 1.

Advocacy:
The pope called special attention to Darfur in his Christmas message.  He addressed poverty, injustice, and war in general but pointed to Darfur as a specific location of concern.