Agencies in Sudan Call for a Unified Condemnation by the International Community in Response to Helicopter Gunship Attacks in Southern SudanCARE We the undersigned international non-governmental humanitarian agencies (NGOs) working in Sudan call upon all members of the international and humanitarian communities to speak with a consistent, clear and unequivocal voice in condemning the recent Government of Sudan attacks on food distribution points in southern Sudan. The February 20 attack on a WFP food distribution point in Bieh, Upper Nile Region killed 24 people and wounded dozens of others.  We believe that attacks such as this are intolerable and demonstrate a disregard of the Geneva Convention to which the Government of Sudan is a signatory. We remain extremely concerned by what NGOs are still seeing on the ground in Sudan. They are observing large movements of displaced people and are receiving reports of attacks in other locations. This is indicative of an increased level of civilian abuse. Attacks against humanitarian facilities are also preventing assistance from reaching civilians and are contributing even more to their suffering. According to a joint statement from UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Kenzo Oshima, WFP Executive Director Catherine Bertini and UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy, the latest incident was part of an "alarming pattern of attacks by the Sudanese Government and associated militias against civilians at or near food distribution points and looting of humanitarian facilities." The UN directors went on to say that the attacks were especially shocking "when set against the backdrop of a population in dire need of assistance". We urge the United Nations, the European Union, governments of the United States, European and other concerned countries, and all other NGOs, to relay a clear and consistent message to the Government of Sudan and other warring parties that any attacks against innocent civilians and humanitarian facilities are unacceptable. The international and humanitarian communities must be unified about speaking out against abuses committed by all sides in the conflict, and be ready to speak out and act immediately if abuses occur. Specifically, NGOs urge international actors to agree upon clear and consistent disincentives for warring parties who commit abuses against civilians and humanitarian aid agencies, as well as encouragement for those who act in support of peace and reconciliation. Precise benchmarks for action in both cases should be set and agreed upon by all relevant international actors. Over two million innocent civilians in Sudan have already lost their lives over the last 18 years of conflict. This latest attack adds 24 more deaths to this dreadful toll. The NGOs renew their call for an end to the war in Sudan. All warring parties must renew efforts to bring about a peaceful end to the hostilities and must show real commitment to the confidence building measures proposed by US Senator Danforth. We also urge all concerned actors in the international community to place a just peace and reconciliation at the center of their policy with respect to Sudan and to remain actively engaged in the pursuit of that goal. Save The Children UK
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