Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia, has received numerous reports from project partners in Sudan that survivors have locked themselves into their homes, without food or water, for fear of being killed. Others have fled to the Nuba Mountains where they are being pursued by helicopter gunships.
Act for Peace’s project partner, the Sudan Council of Churches, reports of violence and mass atrocities against civilians by both government troops and the SPLA, including bombing of villages, killings, looting and burning of property.
The Sudan Ecumenical Forum, a peace network of Christian churches that has worked in Sudan for nearly two decades, says the international community must pressure both warring parties to fulfil their obligation to protect civilians.
“A humanitarian crisis on an enormous scale is unfolding in South Kordofan state. We appeal to world leaders and governments to pay attention to this situation and urgently protect people,” said its co-chair Eberhard Hitzler.
Food and fuel are increasingly scarce and humanitarian assistance is urgently needed, but efforts in and around Kadugli to bring aid to those affected are being severely hampered by the fighting and the presence of troops.
Act for Peace Executive Director, Alistair Gee, said, “The international community must act urgently, calling for an immediate ceasefire, declaring South Kordofan a no-fly zone and enabling emergency workers to deliver relief.”
Act for Peace has supported its project partners in impressive conflict reduction and peace building work in South Sudan. One Act for Peace partner has been clearing remnants of war including landmines and small arms ammunition since 2004. In the lead-up to the January 2011 referendum on self-determination of South Sudan, the Sudan Council of Churches conducted peace assessments and delivered training and civic education to ensure elections were peaceful and fair.
“This violence, just weeks before South Sudan gains its hard-won independence on July 9, threatens to unravel the whole peace process to which so many people have dedicated themselves,” said Alistair Gee.
To arrange an interview with Act for Peace’s partners on the ground in Sudan or with Alistair Gee, Act for Peace Executive Director, please contact Emma Halgren, Media & Online Coordinator on 0458 303 515.
Act for Peace, Locked Bag 199 Sydney, NSW, 1230(PH) 1800 025 101 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.actforpeace.org.au
About Act for Peace: Act for Peace is the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia and a member of the global ACT Alliance. We empower war-torn communities to reduce poverty, protect refugees, and prevent further conflict. Our project partners are currently assisting more than one million people in the world's worst conflict affected areas, including Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Burma. www.actforpeace.org.au
Act for Peace, Locked Bag 199 Sydney, NSW, 1230(PH) 1800 025 101 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.actforpeace.org.au
