SEATTLE, June 13, 2008 - World Vision, one of the largest humanitarian agencies working in Zimbabwe, today warned that some 1.6 million children could lose access to vital resources if the government continues its suspension of aid work in the country. This includes 400,000 children World Vision would have assisted through school feeding programs this month alone.
World Vision and other organizations affected by the suspension are appealing to the Government of Zimbabwe to allow the delivery of basic supplies by immediately reversing its June 4 decision to suspend the operations of local and international humanitarian agencies.
The suspension order currently is preventing some 33 local and international organizations from delivering food, education, water and sanitation, health care services and agricultural development, and from performing essential services. World Vision was slated to provide food aid to 720,000 people next month. Currently, some 4 million people are estimated to need food aid.
"The suspension of humanitarian operations will undermine and negate the substantial efforts and commitment invested in improving the lives of more than a million children who depend on care and support from relief and development agencies like ours," said Wilfred Mlay, World Vision's Regional Vice President for Africa.
The order also comes at a time of increased reports of violence leading up to a run-off presidential election due to be held later this month.
"We are eager to see free, fair and non-violent elections," said Sue Mbaya, Advocacy Director for World Vision's Africa Region. "So World Vision is urging political leaders in Zimbabwe to demand that their supporters cease all acts of violence and intimidation and to restore and uphold peace."
Mlay emphasized the need for both international and regional actors to do everything possible to address the situation. "In particular," said Mlay, "the Southern Africa Development Community and the African Union, both of which have emphasized the role of civil society in development, must engage the Government of Zimbabwe and persuade it to allow aid agencies to do their work."
World Vision has worked in Zimbabwe for almost 30 years. Current programs include food aid, rehabilitation of dams, irrigation development, and the rehabilitation of water sources, as well as the provision of seeds, fertilizer and small livestock benefiting over 1 million people per month.
"We join all humanitarian NGOs in urging the Government to immediately reverse the decision to suspend NGO operations and allow agencies to resume delivering basic humanitarian assistance to vulnerable children and communities throughout Zimbabwe," said Mlay. "If steps are not taken immediately to end this crisis in Zimbabwe and to reinstate the work of NGOs, then the future for the country's most vulnerable citizens, its children, looks very bleak indeed."
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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.
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Cynthia Colin 202.572.6595 (o) 202.436.1266 (m)
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