The request comes on the heels of a government flight ban and escalating fighting in regions of war-torn southern Sudan. The flight ban began on September 27 and is set to last until October 6. It applies to a U.N. umbrella group of humanitarian agencies called Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), of which the undersigned agencies are members. These agencies have been unable to deliver food and other forms of assistance to nearly a million people out of their monthly target of 1.5 million men, women and children living in opposition-held areas.

The flight ban, added to other curbs that make road transport unsafe, also has interrupted a campaign against polio, affecting children under 5 years old throughout Sudan. Cynthia Gaigals, CARE International’s Sudan advocacy coordinator, said that while the flight ban is the most egregious measure, other impediments to humanitarian access also need to be lifted.

Therefore, the agencies are calling for “unequivocal, unrelenting and convergent pressure from the international community,” to resolve this issue, she explained. Further, the letter to U.N. official Kenzo Oshima states: “We believe that unrestricted access needs to be backed by a cessation of hostilities that would relieve the suffering of civilians and create conditions supportive of a comprehensive peace settlement.”

The conflict began in 1983 and has resulted in the deaths of 2 million people. The agencies urge the governments of the United States, Europe and others to use their influence to bring the warring parties back to peace negotiations.

Signed:
Action against Hunger (ACF-USA)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
CARE International
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Save the Children UK
Tearfund

The above agencies as well as other NGOs are working together in support of a just and comprehensive peace for Sudan. The agencies also support a range of programs to alleviate suffering of Sudanese people within Sudan.