28 Feb 2013 – A coalition of politicians from three continents have called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile. The Sudanese government is accused of intensifying indiscriminate bombings against rebel-held areas – as witnessed by former UN Sudan chief Mukesh Kapila when the Aegis Trust visited both regions last month (see film). Over a million people have been displaced or severely affected by violence and independent experts warn of man-made famine by April.
Meanwhile, the decade-long conflict in Darfur continues, with 1.4 million living in camps and 3.5 million relying on food aid.
A global coalition of 98 politicians from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have signed an open letter addressed to their respective Foreign Secretaries urging them to lead the UN Security Council to action on Sudan at this pivotal moment.
The coalition includes William Bain MP, Chair of the Associate Parliamentary Group on Sudan and South Sudan (UK), House Democratic Whip, Congressman Steny Hoyer (US) and Australian Senator the Hon David Feeney, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence.
Congressman Frank R. Wolf from the United States House of Representatives said:
“Ten years ago this month, the Sudanese government, headed by Omar Bashir, embarked on a campaign of violence in Darfur in which 300,000 people were killed. The world says, “Never Again,” and yet in the face of mounting atrocities in Sudan today, where is the outrage? History must not be allowed to repeat itself. We must stand up for the people of Sudan”.
Baroness Cox from the United Kingdom Parliament said:
“There can be little doubt over the ruthless attacks being perpetrated by the Government of Sudan on its own people. I travelled to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile in January and saw for myself the desperate subhuman conditions being forced upon tens of thousands of civilians. Addressing the conflict in these two areas is crucial to finding a lasting peace between Sudan and South Sudan”.
Michelle Rowland from the Australian Parliament said:
“UN Security Council Resolution 2046 warned the parties to this conflict of consequences if they did not uphold their obligations and stop the fighting. The African Union has been very clear on the urgent need to address this conflict. We are calling on our respective governments to lead the UN to back up its words with actions”.
For the full letter and list of signatories, click here: http://splashurl.com/pn6tkhk
