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 President George W. Bush signed the Sudan Peace Act into law on October 21. The House approved the bill with only eight dissenting votes on October 7, and the Senate unanimously approved it October 9.
For more than 20 years, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war between the Islamic Sudanese government based in Khartoum and rebels from the mostly Christian and animist southern regions. The new legislation provides aid to Sudanese citizens, requires the United States to monitor peace negotiations and allows for sanctions if Khartoum interferes with humanitarian efforts.
Serge Duss, World Vision’s director of Public Policy and Government Relations, said he is confident the act will make the country safer for aid workers helping those in need. “Lack of security has been the main hindrance to delivery of humanitarian assistance in Sudan,” he said. “This legislation could turn things around for the better.”
Private organizations supporting the Sudan Peace Act include the American Anti-slavery Group, American Jewish Committee, Freedom House's Center for Religious Freedom, Christian Solidarity International, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, Servant's Heart and World Vision.
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