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UN: NGO ban puts 2m at risk
06/06/2008 21:11 - (SA)
New York - The UN's top humanitarian official says at least two million people face greater risk of starvation, homelessness and disease because of Zimbabwe's decision to cut off the work of aid groups.
UN humanitarian chief John Holmes on Friday criticised Zimbabwe's government for its "deplorable decision".
Much of the UN's aid in Zimbabwe is funnelled through non-governmental organisations. Holmes says restricting that flow will affect "at least two million of the most poor and vulnerable of Zimbabwe's people, particularly children".
Holmes' comments came after US and British diplomats warned that Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is using food as a weapon ahead of June 27 run-off elections.
Playing politics
Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on Zimbabwe to immediately lift the ban, accusing Harare of playing politics with aid, AFP reports.
"The suspension of field operations by all NGOs on the order of the Zimbabwean government is likely to increase food insecurity in Zimbabwe and expose millions of people to hunger," the London-based rights group said.
"The suspension of NGO operations is yet another attempt by the government to manipulate food distribution for political ends."
Zimbabwe suspended the aid groups, accusing them of being involved in political activism.
Grain Marketing Board
Amnesty accused Mugabe of using food distribution through the state-controlled Grain Marketing Board as a tool against political opponents since the turn of the millennium.
Restrictions would have a "detrimental effect" on food security and prevent aid workers from seeing "increased levels of state-sponsored violence" since the presidential and parliamentary elections were held on March 29.
"By closing off the space for NGOs in Zimbabwe, the government is attempting to hide the worst of the human rights violations taking place in the country," it added.
"The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that food is distributed to all on the basis of need - irrespective of real or perceived political affiliation."
- AP
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Zimbabwe Special Report
