The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Marta Ruedas, expressed grave concern over the abduction of Margaret Schenkel, a Swiss aid worker, in North Darfur State on 7 October 2017.          

“I am deeply shocked by this incident. Targeting aid workers who provide neutral, impartial and life-saving humanitarian assistance is a crime under International Humanitarian Law,” said Ms. Ruedas.   “I would like to urge all parties to ensure her safe release and well-being,” Ms. Ruedas stated.   On 7 October, unknown and unidentified armed persons abducted Margaret Schenkel from her residence in El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur State, at gunpoint.   This is the third incident of aid worker abduction in Darfur over the past two years.