MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (June 13, 2008) — World Vision, the largest humanitarian organization in Zimbabwe, is warning that relief and development work supporting the country’s most vulnerable children will be undone unless a government order suspending aid work is revoked.

World Vision is appealing to the Zimbabwean government to allow the delivery of basic humanitarian assistance to resume by immediately reversing its decision to suspend non-governmental organization (NGO) operations.

The suspension order, issued on June 4, is preventing some 33 local and international NGOs from delivering food, education, water and sanitation, health care services and agricultural development, and from performing many other activities essential to the survival and well-being of communities in Zimbabwe.

Up to four million people are now estimated to be in need of aid.

“As a child-focused organization, we are particularly concerned for the close to 400,000 children we would have assisted this month through school-feeding and our on-going development work,” said Wilfred Mlay, vice president of Africa for World Vision. “We hold grave concerns for the 1.6 million orphans and vulnerable children across the country who will now not receive critical assistance from humanitarian agencies operating in the country. The suspension of such operations will undermine and negate the substantial efforts and commitment invested in improving the lives of these children.

“ We are also deeply concerned about the fate of Zimbabweans who do not have regular access to food and who have to date been largely reliant on assistance from NGOs,” said Mlay.

Safety-net feeding

World Vision’s plan to begin safety-net feeding in vulnerable communities next month—projected to assist 720,000 people at the peak of distributions—is now in jeopardy.

Mlay said it is crucial that both i nternational and regional actors do everything in their power to help the men, women and children of Zimbabwe. “In particular, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the Africa Union, both of which have emphasized the role of civil society in the development of our countries, must engage the government of Zimbabwe and persuade it to allow NGOs to do their work.

“If steps are not taken immediately to end this crisis in Zimbabwe and to reinstate the work of NGOs, then the future for the country’s most vulnerable citizens, its children, looks very bleak indeed.”

Election re-run

The order also comes at a time of increased reports of violence in the run-up to the election re-run due to be held later this month. It is well known that conflict and violence undermine development.

“Canadians can help by joining World Vision and the international community in urging Zimbabwe’s political leaders to promote a free, fair and peaceful electoral process,” said Dave Toycen, president and CEO of World Vision Canada.

World Vision has been working in Zimbabwe since 1973. Currently 74,000 children are sponsored through World Vision, including 10,000 children sponsored by Canadians.

“These children and their families need our continued support more than ever,” said Toycen.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

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To interview Dave Toycen, World Vision Canada president and CEO, or regional staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca  

Britt Hamilton
905-565-6200 ext. 3973
416-275-1057 (cell)
britt_hamilton@WorldVision.ca