Letter Asks NGOs To Leave Zimbabwe

On Wednesday, June 4, the government of Zimbabwe sent a letter to all NGOs suspending their involvement on the ground until further notice. This decision by local authorities is of extremely high concern for the millions of Zimbabweans who depend on assistance from NGOs. The immediate impact of these humanitarian aid organizations on health and water, particularly for vulnerable populations and AIDS patients, adds the medium-term food security of the population. The weeks ahead are indeed crucial for the preparation of the season and the suspension of NGO activities will result in an irreversible delay.

Action Against Hunger/ ACF-USA is apolitical and implements its programs on a non-partisan level. ACF reaffirms the humanitarian principles of independence and neutrality that guide its operations, and stress non-discrimination and direct access to victims. ACF therefore asks to regain access to beneficiaries of its programs as soon as possible.

The association has been present in Zimbabwe since 2002. It conducts programs promoting access to drinking water, sanitation, and food safety.

Created in 1979, Action against Hunger is one of the largest humanitarian organizations to fight against hunger in the world. It is an established international network with five seats (London, Madrid, New York, Montreal and Paris). Action against Hunger - France intervenes in 18 countries hit by serious food crisis by implementing emergency programs and revival in the fields of nutrition, food self-sufficiency, water and health. In 2005, Action against Hunger - France helped nearly 1.9 million people.