Statement by Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Expulsion of Humanitarian Groups from Sudan

Susan E. Rice
United States  Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

March 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States is gravely concerned by the reckless decision of the Sudanese government to expel international aid groups working to ease the suffering of Sudan's citizens. The humanitarian situation in the country is already dire, and this callous step threatens the lives of innocents already suffering from years of war and upheaval. Millions of civilians – including untold thousands of children and elderly people – will be left even more vulnerable to starvation, disease, despair, and death if the Government of Sudan does not immediately change course.

The Government of Sudan, at its own choosing, is now heading down a path towards even greater international isolation. The United States is working vigorously and urgently with others to try to avert a deeper humanitarian crisis.

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