AS Christmas approaches, I ask readers to support UNICEF's work in Darfur, Sudan, where we are deeply concerned about increased violence against children. UNICEF staff working in the troubled region are reporting an increasing number of people arriving in the camps and a surge in violent incidents in and around the camps.

Armed militia are raping girls and women as a tactic to terrorise and humiliate them and their entire families and communities.

Many girls and women walk six to eight hours a day to get firewood for their basic survival - terrified of harassment and rape.

This violence is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and existing agreements recently signed by the government of Sudan.

Please spare a thought for these children living in constant fear of famine, poverty and violence this Christmas.

You can make a difference by helping to raise money for children caught up in this conflict.

For £46, UNICEF can provide a recreation kit to service a school of 400 children or £110 will buy a school-in-box kit for 80 children.

Please give whatever you can today by sending your donation to UNICEF's Children of Sudan Emergency Appeal, UNICEF, PO Box 1800, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 4UG.

Louis Coles,

UNICEF UK,

Regional Fundraising Manager - Yorkshire,

Sheffield.

Updated: 09:17 Tuesday, November 30, 2004