FCNL Statement on Expulsion of Aid Groups

Mar 11, 2009

March 11, 2009

Seeking a Just Peace in Sudan

At FCNL we are gravely concerned by the deteriorating situation in Sudan. The recent decision by President Omar al-Bashir to expel 13 of the largest humanitarian aid groups working in Sudan threatens the lives of millions of innocent people, mostly women and children, already dislocated and suffering from war and violence. We strongly condemn this action by the government of Sudan. More civilian lives are now being placed at risk as the government of Sudan blatantly disregards its responsibility to protect Sudan’s people.

We urge the U.S. to actively work with the international community to press President Bashir to allow these humanitarian organizations to immediately return to Sudan and resume their life-saving services. More than one million Sudanese depend on the daily delivery of water, food, healthcare, and other basic needs that these groups provide.

The expulsion of humanitarian aid groups from Sudan came just hours after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan. While we at FCNL do not dispute the charges levied against President Bashir and have long supported the ICC as an important international institution, we believe that the timing of this arrest warrant has promoted a false choice between justice and peace in Sudan.

The tragic reality is that no good options are left. The government of Sudan and the world have failed the people of Darfur. The immediate priority should be protecting lives and restarting a negotiation process that can create a path to both justice and peace for the people of Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake, as is any hope for an end to the violence in Darfur and a durable comprehensive peace in Sudan.

At this critical juncture, we urge President Obama and Secretary Clinton to work with the international community to engage with the government of Sudan to de-escalate the current crisis, work towards a lasting political settlement, and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations in Darfur.

We commend President Obama for making the situation in Darfur a priority in his recent meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. We urge the swift appointment of a high-level U.S. special envoy to sustain U.S. engagement and support for the long and difficult work that will be necessary to promote durable peace, justice, and reconciliation in Sudan.

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