Update on food situation in Sudan and a call for “Fast For Darfur”

Because donor countries have contributed less than one-third of promised funds in response the genocide in Darfur, severe food cutbacks and attacks on civilians and the humanitarian aid operations endanger the lives of over 2.5 million uprooted Sudanese.  You are invited to join in a 40-say fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur.

Because donor countries have contributed less than one-third of promised funds in response the genocide in Darfur, severe food cutbacks and attacks on civilians and the humanitarian aid operations endanger the lives of over 2.5 million uprooted Sudanese.  You are invited to join in a 40-say fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur.

The UN World Food Program (WFP) has reduced the daily food ration for Sudanese refugees to 1,050 calories – about half an average person’s minimum daily requirement – because donor countries have contributed less than one-third of promised funds for 2006. This severe food cutback, together with attacks on civilians and the humanitarian aid operations trying to help them, endangers the lives of over 2.5 million uprooted Sudanese.

In response to this food ration reduction, we will begin a fast of 1,000 calories per day to stand in solidarity with the victims of genocide in Darfur. Our 40-day fast, which will begin on May 9th and end on June 17th, has two specific goals: First, we demand the protection of civilians in Darfur through the immediate intervention of an international peacekeeping force of sufficient size and strength to end the genocide. Second, we challenge donor countries to fulfill their promises to fully fund humanitarian aid operations in Sudan and Chad. We appeal to persons of good faith everywhere to reflect upon the urgent situation in Darfur and take action in support of these goals.

Our fast will allow us to experience in a small way the hunger faced every day by millions of uprooted Sudanese. We hope our fast will help us to better understand their longing for peace and a safe return to their homes. We ask you to contact your elected leaders and urge them to support an effective peacekeeping force in Darfur and to fully fund the WFP’s humanitarian aid operations in Sudan and Chad. If you want more information on our fast or other ways to help, please contact us at www.fastfordarfur.org.