Letter Asks NGOs To Leave Zimbabwe

The Suspension of NGO Activities Concerns ACF - Consequences For Populations Paris, France — 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/ Action Contre la Faim (ACF) 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.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim (ACF), an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger. For nearly three decades, ACF has pursued its vision of a world without hunger by combating hunger in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster, and chronic food insecurity.

Press Contact

Action Against Hunger - USA

James L. Phelan
Senior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796

Action Against Hunger - France

Sylvain Trottier
Chargé de communication, ACF-France
strottier@actioncontrelafaim.org
Direct: + 33 1 43 35 82 24
Offsite/Weekends: + 06 70 01 58 34 / + 06 70 01 58 43