VoicesforSudan

1413 K Street N.W. #1000 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202)440-5392 Email: info@voicesforsudan.org
Dear Friends and Allies, As the month of March drew to an end, the safety and future of thousands of Sudanese was at stake. March 31st represented the Israeli governments deadline for South Sudanese individuals to return to South Sudan. Voices for Sudan raised concerns that the deadline was premature. We are pleased to give you an important update. Thursday, Israels foreign ministry recommended that the Interior Ministry extend the deportation deadline of refugees from South Sudan by an additional six months. We at Voices for Sudan wish to see many scattered populations of South Sudanese refugees return to the newly independent state of South Sudan, in an orderly fashion. The Sudanese refugees need your help. Although South Sudan has gained independence, the country is still experiencing widespread violence. The government of South Sudan needs time to develop the necessary policies and structures to properly care for and protect these returning individuals. This process requires support and patience. Independence has not guaranteed safety or stability. If forced to leave Israel under the current circumstances, many of these individuals will be subject to an unsafe environment. Starvation is a very real threat to individuals currently residing in South Sudan. An influx in South Sudans population will simply result in a higher death count. Israel has continued to demonstrate kindness and unyielding understanding when it comes to the safety and protection of populations experiencing persecution. Voices for Sudan, in recognizing this time sensitive matter, went to work on advocating for the South Sudanese facing deportation. We continue to convey the message that though South Sudan has gained independence, the country has not yet established the policies and procedures to handle the homecoming of its displaced population. We are strong advocates for the responsible return of South Sudanese refugees. Maintaining a strong program of social advocacy, Voices for Sudan discussed this Israeli deportation deadline with the South Sudan Embassy, congressional staffers for Rep. Michael Capuano, and congressional staffers for the late Rep. Donald Payne. We also published a comprehensive press release expressing our concern for this deadline and held a Vigil to Restore Hope at the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC. Together, we can continue to aid Sudanese. Please consider donating so we can maintain and expand our efforts. Click here to access our website, then the yellow Donate button on the top right. Thank you, Kelly Kundrat, Program Director Voices for Sudan
Further Reading: Israeli foreign ministry recommends postponing deportation of South Sudanese. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-foreign-ministry-recommends-postponing-deportation-of-south-sudanese-1.421570

VoicesforSudan (VFS) is a national organization consisting of a cross section of all Sudanese groups residing in the United States. VFS closely follows developments in both South Sudan and Sudan, advocates for stability, peace and development in the new South Sudan, and seeks to bring an end to the genocidal violence that rages in various regions of Sudan. Please visit VoicesForSudan.com for more information.