The number of people sheltering by a United Nations site in Sortoni in North Darfur after fleeing recent violence increased to over 21,000 from 14,770 last week, the UN said.

"The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) says that as of 31^st of January, the number of displaced persons seeking refuge in the vicinity of its Sortoni team site, in North Darfur, is reported to have increased to 21,328 from 14,770. This includes 13,269 children," a statement from UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said. "Aid organisations are providing emergency humanitarian assistance."

Haq said the UNAMID troops are protecting the people who arrived in Sortoni and are reinforcing its presence by deploying additional peacekeepers the area.

"The number of civilians who have fled from Jebel Marra, Jebel Si and Fanga Suk, in Central Darfur, to the Rwanda and Argo camps in Tawila, North Darfur, is reported to stand at 9,209," he added.

Haq said UNAMID is also working with aid groups and the national government of Sudan to assess humanitarian conditions of displaced people in Nertiti, Thur, and Guldo areas in Central Darfur.