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Millions of civilians deprived of aid by the Sudanese government

On March 4, 2009, the government of Sudan expelled and suspended the operations of 13 international humanitarian aid organizations and at least 3 domestic aid organizations operating in Darfur and across Sudan. Organizations working in South Sudan were exempted for the government's order. The government's action followed a decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Without the food, water, and medicine provided by these aid groups, millions of vulnerable men, women, and children in Darfur and throughout Sudan face starvation and disease. You can act now to get these agencies urgently reinstated.

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Message Recipients

Yahya A. Mahmassani - Ambassador

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Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana - Ambassador

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H. E. Khidir Haroun Ahmed - Ambassador

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H.E. Ambassador Yahya A. Mahmassani

Tel: (212) 838-8700
Fax: (212) 355-3909

H. E. Ambassador Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana

Tel: (212) 319-5490
Fax: (212) 319-7135/319 6509

H.E. Ambassador Khidir Haroun Ahmed

Tel: (202)338-8565
Fax: (202)667-2406

Subject:*

Dear (recipient name),

I am writing today to urge you to press the government of Sudan to immediately reverse its decision to expel and suspend the operations of humanitarian aid agencies and allow the aid organizations to continue their life-saving work. The alternative is unthinkable. Millions of vulnerable men, women, and children in Darfur and throughout Sudan face starvation and disease if aid is halted.

The government of Sudan has expelled 13 international humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, Care, Save the Children, and Medecins Sans Frontieres and suspended the operation of at least three domestic aid organizations, including the Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO).

Under international humanitarian law, Sudan has a responsibility to ensure access to international assistance for its people. I am concerned that this act may be in retaliation for the issuance of an arrest warrant for the country’s president. The warrant is entirely unrelated to the issue of humanitarian access and must not in any way prevent access to basic food, water, and medicine.

Humanitarian aid agencies must be allowed to resume the life-saving work they perform every day and continue operating in all areas of Sudan where their presence is critical.

I urge you to call on Sudanese authorities to immediately reverse their decision.

Thank you for considering this request.

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