Save Darfur Urges Swift U.S. Leadership in Response to Sudan's Restriction of Darfur Aid

Save Darfur Urges Swift U.S. Leadership in Response to Sudan's Restriction of Darfur Aid

Coalition: ‘Engagement by Obama administration can no longer be delayed; too many lives are at risk'

WASHINGTON – The Save Darfur Coalition today called on the Obama administration to condemn Sudanese President Bashir's decision to revoke the licenses of 13 aid organizations operating in Darfur. In a statement, coalition president Jerry Fowler noted that this action by the Sudanese government underscores the need for the United States to lead the international community in a sustained diplomatic effort to bring peace to Darfur and all of Sudan.

"The Sudanese government's decision to restrict the flow of humanitarian aid to Darfur represents the possible prelude to a humanitarian catastrophe of the highest magnitude. The 13 organizations that had their licenses revoked are some of the largest international aid groups in Darfur and sustain an apparatus that provides the last remaining lifeline for 4.7 million conflict-affected Darfuri people. Millions of civilians are at immediate risk of starvation and disease. President Obama must lead the international community in immediately condemning President Bashir's actions, making clear that there will be swift and severe consequences if the decision is not reversed.

"World leaders must hold President Bashir accountable for meeting Sudan's obligation under international law to protect the lives of civilians in Sudan. Arab and African states in particular, many of whom face a tide of refugees if Sudan's actions are not reversed, must immediately demand that President Bashir reverse his decision and reinstate the humanitarian aid organizations. The decision, which the United Nations has said will cause irreparable damage to aid operations in Darfur, cannot be allowed to stand.

"This action by the Sudanese government, in addition to Wednesday's announcement of an arrest warrant for President Bashir by the International Criminal Court, underscores the need for the United States to immediately undertake an urgent, sustained diplomatic push to resolve the conflict in Darfur, including the reopening of humanitarian access. Sudan's recent actions reinforce the need for President Obama to appoint a full-time Sudan envoy with the stature, mandate and authority to drive all aspects of Sudan policy. Engagement by the Obama administration at the highest levels can no longer be delayed; too many lives are at risk. Darfur demands the administration's attention now."

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About the coalition - The Save Darfur Coalition - an alliance of 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations - raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. The coalition's member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the coalition, please visit http://www.SaveDarfur.org. To obtain footage from the Darfur border region, coalition events, various interviews, and more, please visit the Save Darfur Coalition media gallery at http://media.savedarfur.org. All footage may be previewed in non-broadcast quality and may be purchased in broadcast quality by filling out the purchase request form provided on the site.