From Administrator Henrietta H. Fore: USAID Administrator Fore Calls on Zimbabwe...

From Administrator Henrietta H. Fore: USAID Administrator Fore Calls on
Zimbabwe to Lift Suspension on International Humanitarian Aid Organizations
Immediately

WASHINGTON, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Henrietta Fore,
Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), called
on the Government of Zimbabwe to lift the suspension on all international NGOs
involved in humanitarian work in the country.
"This suspension is a direct threat to the lives and well-being of tens of
thousands of innocent people in Zimbabwe," Fore said.
"Given the existing food insecurity and widespread violence that has
recently spread throughout the country, the suspension can only add to the
significant hardship and suffering of Zimbabwe's most vulnerable people. We
call on the Government of Zimbabwe to lift the ban on humanitarian operations
now so that humanitarian organizations can resume their work immediately."
Yesterday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
instructed all Private Voluntary Organizations and Non Governmental
Oranizations "to suspend all field operation until further notice."
The United States provided more than $170 million in food aid to Zimbabwe
last year, through the USAID Food for Peace program. So far this year, USAID
has provided the country more than $96 million in food assistance, and $6
million in non-food assistance.
Public Information: 202-712-4810
http://www.usaid.gov
SOURCE The U.S. Agency for International Development

Press Office, The U.S. Agency for International Development, +1-202-712-4320