Date Published: 6 March 2009

UNICEF continues operations in Sudan despite setbacks

The Sudanese Government has revoked the licences of eleven international NGOs in response to the issuing of an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The organisations are: Action Contre la Faim, CARE, CHF International, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council, OXFAM, Padco, Save the Children and Solidarites. The list includes several UNICEF partners but UNICEF itself is not included.

UNICEF is still operational in all parts of Sudan, including Darfur, delivering life-saving services to children and women. However, much of our work is done in partnership with NGOs who have had their licenses revoked and are currently unable to operate in the north of Sudan. This will have a serious impact on humanitarian and development projects in these areas.

While UNICEF is looking for alternative ways to ensure programmes for children and women continue in Darfur and elsewhere, it echoes the call by the UN Secretary General for these NGOs to be restored urgently to their full operational status.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

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