As John noted below, the Sudanese government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission, or HAC, has revoked the registrations for crucially important NGOs throughout Sudan. According to the United Nations,
Affected NGOs are the main providers of life-saving humanitarian services, such as water, food, health and sanitation. Their departure will have an immediate and serious effect on the humanitarian and security situation in North Sudan, especially in Darfur.
NGOs have begun to speak out about the Sudanese Government’s actions. They have been saying the following:
- Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg responds to the suspension of her organization’s efforts in Sudan by saying “ this is a devastating blow to the many of Sudan who rely upon us for both immediate survival and help in building more prosperous and stable futures for their families. We sincerely hope that this decision will be reversed so we can get back to the critical business of saving and improving lives.” Mercy Corps was working with almost 200,000 victims in the Darfur Region.
- In a press release the International Rescue Committee, or IRC confirms that “the Government of Sudan has ordered the closure of its humanitarian aid programs in Darfur as well as North and East Sudan – a decision that puts at risk the lives of 1.75 million men, women and children who depend on the IRC’s lifesaving programs. IRC President and CEO George Rupp notes, “It appears the international aid effort in the region is being shut down and that raises grave concerns about the welfare of millions of Sudanese people who rely on humanitarian aid for survival.”
- Ken Caldwell, Save the Children UK’s director of international operations narrated his organizations experience today saying, “Save the Children UK has received a letter from the Sudanese authorities asking us to suspend our operations in Sudan. This has very worrying implications for the 50,000 children we are currently supporting in Khartoum and the north-east of the country. These are some of Sudan’s most vulnerable children – many are living in camps having been forced to flee their homes by the ongoing conflict.”
- And, Oxfam Great Britain has publicly confirmed Sudanese action, noting, “The Sudanese government today (4 March 2009) revoked its license to operate in northern Sudan.” According to Penny Lawrence, Oxfam’s International Director, “If Oxfam’s registration is revoked, it will affect more than 600,000 Sudanese people whom we provide with vital humanitarian and development aid, including clean water and sanitation on a daily basis. 400,000 of them are affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur – where people continue to flee from violence and the humanitarian needs remain enormous. It will also affect another 200,000 poor people in the east of the country and Khartoum state."
These are tragic developments, and Enough will make sure to keep you informed of any and all news on this issue.