The Minister of State for Development, Co-operation and Human Rights, Conor Lenihan, began a fact-finding mission to Darfur today ahead of a donor conference on Sudan in Oslo next week.
During his visit to the troubled African country, Mr Lenihan is meeting the Deputy Sudanese Foreign Minister and the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs.
He is also meeting the heads of the key Irish and international humanitarian relief agencies.
Before he left Dublin yesterday, Mr Lenihan said it was his intention to see first hand what is happening on the ground in Darfur.
Mr Lenihan also said it is important that immediate protection is provided to those who are suffering while a solution for the war-torn region is being sought.
