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Disturbing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe
UN Country Team (Zimbabwe)
June 06, 2008

The UN Country Team has received a copy of a letter from the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to all Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe, requesting the "suspension of all field operations until further notice". This decision is most regrettable, as it goes against fundamental humanitarian principles, and significantly undermines efforts by humanitarian agencies to deliver relief aid to those in greatest need.

The Humanitarian Coordinator and the UN Country Team are deeply disturbed by the vulnerability of more than two million Zimbabweans who urgently require assistance with food, water, sanitation, health and other basic services at this time. Over the years, this vulnerability has been addressed by strong and constructive partnerships between Government, Civil Society, the donor community and the United Nations, as no one agency or institution has been able to ameliorate such vulnerability without assistance from others.

The decision by Government to suspend all PVO/NGO field operations further exacerbates this vulnerability, thus creating avoidable life threatening conditions for many. For example, on a daily basis, tens of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children receive life sustaining support, hundreds of communities are working together with district authorities, PVO/NGO partners to combat the spread of HIV, and thousands upon thousands more are provided access to basic water, sanitation and education support services. In this regard, we urge the Government to immediately rescind the decision to suspend operations in order to expand access of basic humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations throughout the country.

Furthermore, the UN Country Team continues to receive reports of politically motivated violence from many parts of the country. This violence continues to destroy homes, property and livelihoods, worsening the plight of children, women and others already made vulnerable by food insecurity, HIV, unemployment, and overall deterioration of basic social services.

The UN Country Team condemns all forms of violence from any segment of society, and urges the Government, all political parties, Faith Based Organizations and PVOs/NGOs to do anything in their power to bring a halt to this tragic and unnecessary violence.

For media enquiries contact:

Jabulani Sithole
Communications Officer
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
8th Floor, Takura House, 67-69 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue
PO Box 4775
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +2634792681-7, Ext. 252
Fax: +2634728695
Mobile: +263912748453
e-mail: jabulani.sithole@undp.org

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