The European Commission has allocated a further 17 million euros (22 million U.S. dollars) for life-saving humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Darfur crisis in Sudan, said the commission on Tuesday.

With the additional humanitarian aid, the commission aims to enhance the protection of civilians, provide basic assistance and support dedicated humanitarian air services to people in otherwise inaccessible locations.

The basic assistance includes water supplies, treatment of malnourished children, emergency drug kits, mobile clinics, response to cholera outbreaks, hygiene products and shelter, said the commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU).

The new pledge brings the commission's contribution for 2006 to a total amount of 97 million euros (127 million dollars).

Since 2004, the commission has been a leading donor for Darfur and has allocated relief aid worth more than 357 million euros ( 468 million dollars) in response to the Darfur crisis.

Up to 4 million people are affected and around 2 million are displaced, said the commission.

"This additional humanitarian aid we have mobilized is badly needed by millions of people who take the brunt of the violence and suffering. What is happening now in Darfur is a total disgrace and an absolute tragedy from a humanitarian point of view," said Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

He condemned the lack of security for humanitarian work.

"It is simply unacceptable that parties to the conflict target deliberately relief workers and operations... Sudanese authorities and rebel movements must realize that they cannot shrink from their responsibility with respect to international humanitarian Law. They have an obligation to facilitate the work and to ensure the safety of relief workers."

Source: Xinhua