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Groups Urge U.S. Policy Reset on Sudan, South Sudan Wars

Editors Note: This was originally posted on HumanityUnited.org. Act for Sudan is one of the 78 organizations who signed on to the letter.

Take action in support of peace for Sudan and South Sudan here

78 Human Rights Leaders and Organizations Sign Letters to Sec. Kerry, Congress

June 17, 2014 (Washington DC) — Humanity United, the Enough Project, and 76 other international human rights groups joined together to call for a fresh approach to U.S. policy on the war-torn countries of Sudan and South Sudan. In an open letter directed to Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, and National Security Advisor Susan Rice and a memo to the U.S. Congress outlining new policy priorities, the diverse coalition identified key initiatives to address conflict and violence in both countries.

Representing thousands of supporters across the United States, Sudan and South Sudan, the signatory groups and leaders call for an increased focus on accountability, diplomacy, democracy promotion, and humanitarian aid.

“Doubling down on diplomacy and backing our words up with targeted sanctions against human rights abusers are the two most important things that the U.S government can do right now to help end the civil wars raging in both countries,” said John Prendergast, Co-Founder of the Enough Project.

“People at risk in Sudan and South Sudan cannot wait any longer for peace. The U.S. must increase its efforts now to reduce the violence and support a comprehensive peace process in both countries,” said David Abramowitz, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Humanity United.

The letters, to be delivered today, come as conflicts in both countries are escalating, and cross-border conflict connections between the two are deepening. Sudan is experiencing unprecedented levels of violence: deadly fighting in Darfur now rivals the intensity that triggered global outrage in 2003-2005 and a relentless campaign of aerial bombardment and military attacks across the country is in its third year. In neighboring South Sudan, clashes persist and state collapse is still possible. Pockets of famine and genocidal targeting are threatening both countries, and their intensifying conflicts are pulling in neighboring states, from the Sahel to the Horn to East Africa.

Read full text and recommendations of the two letters below:
Letter to the Administration (PDF)
Letter to Congress (PDF)

Take action in support of peace for Sudan and South Sudan here