SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS SUDAN’S DECISION TO EXPEL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS,

IF IMPLEMENTED, WILL CAUSE IRREVOCABLE DAMAGE TO HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The decision by the Government of the Sudan to expel 13 non-governmental organizations involved in aid operations in Darfur will, if implemented, cause irrevocable damage to humanitarian operations there.

The operations of these agencies are key to maintaining a lifeline to 4.7 million Sudanese people who receive aid in Darfur.  The Secretary-General stresses that these organizations provide humanitarian assistance to those who need it in a neutral and impartial manner.  As such, he appeals to the Government of the Sudan to urgently reconsider the above decision.

The Secretary-General is also concerned about the safety and security of national and international humanitarian workers in the Sudan and their assets.  The confiscation of equipment, money and other materials is unacceptable and must end immediately.

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For information media • not an official record