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World Vision, at U.N., calls on international community to press Zimbabwe on aidUnited Nations, New York, June 19, 2008—World Vision, one of the largest humanitarian agencies working in Zimbabwe, urges the United Nations, the African Union and other international bodies to call for the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately reverse its decision suspending the work of non-governmental humanitarian organizations. “This extremely regrettable ban on field operations will only serve to exacerbate the vulnerability of two million Zimbabweans who rely on assistance from the non-governmental community,” said Tex Lanier, a senior director for international programs at World Vision. “We join all humanitarian agencies in urging the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately allow NGOs to resume delivering basic assistance to vulnerable children and communities throughout the country.” World Vision represented humanitarian groups at a meeting today with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at U.N. headquarters in New York. Briefing diplomats and government officials on the situation in Zimbabwe, World Vision warned them of the potentially dire humanitarian impact of the suspension. Some 1.6 million children could lose access to vital resources if the government continues its suspension of aid work in the country. This number includes 400,000 children World Vision would have assisted through school feeding and development programs this month alone. The suspension order, announced June 4, is preventing some 33 local and international organizations from delivering food, education, water and sanitation, and assisting with health care, agricultural development and other essential services. The order 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 urge all political leaders in Zimbabwe to demand that their supporters cease all acts of violence and intimidation, and restore and uphold peace,” said Lanier. “We also consistently and firmly adhere to the basic principles of humanitarian action – humanity, impartiality and neutrality — and we affirm our continued commitment to the people of Zimbabwe, their well-being, and the sustained development of their country.” World Vision has worked in Zimbabwe for more than 30 years, and has programs benefiting more than 1 million people per month with food aid, rehabilitation of dams and water sources, irrigation development, and provision of seeds, fertilizer and small livestock. NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews are available with Sue Mbaya, World Vision International’s regional advocacy director for Africa. For more information, contact Cynthia Colin at +1 202.572.6595 or ccolin@worldvision.org or Laura Blank at +1 646.245.2496 or lblank@worldvision.org. 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. | Who Is World Vision? 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.. Media Contacts
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