Darfur situation "totally unacceptable"

Tony Blair has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan's Darfur region to stop the "terrible suffering" of millions of people.

Both the Sudanese Government and rebel movements are urged to move towards a political solution and agree a peacekeeping force in a statement released today. It comes ahead of International Human Rights Day.

Tony Blair said:

"Appalling human rights violations have been committed and continue in Darfur. Women and young girls have been amongst the worst affected, suffering rape and sexual violence on a regular basis."

Two million people are in camps and up to four million are in need of food aid, said the Prime Minister.

Sudan will remain "at the top of my agenda", he added.

"... if rapid progress is not made, we will need to consider alternative approaches, with international partners. The Government of Sudan must prove it is taking its responsibilities seriously."

By 10 Downing Street