Serious humanitarian situation in eastern Sudan

We, the participants on the International Seminar of the German Institute of Political Development (AKE) in Vlotho, Federal Republic of Germany on 23-25 June, 2006,
After considering the serious humanitarian situation in the Beja Region of the Eastern Sudan as presented by specialists from the Region in different fields,
And following the pictures presented by some journalists who could enter the Region clandestinely,
And as the Beja have been suffering from famine, diseases such as tuberculoses, malaria, malnutrition, high infant mortality and demise of women under labour,
And considering the unwise policy of neglect followed by different governments that ruled Sudan since independence in 1956,
And drawing attention of all governments and organizations to the policy of marginalization of the Beja Region in all fields, specially the political, social, economic, environmental and cultural areas,
And drawing the attention of the International Community that a handful of persons have continued to control all sources of wealth and power in the country,
And recalling, specifically, the press reports attributed to Mr. Manuel da Silva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, accusing the Sudanese Government, inter alia, of obstructing arrival of food supplies reach the Beja, contributing to the already aggravated food situation in the area,

The International Seminar appeals to all humanitarian organizations, specially the United Nations and its agencies, the governments and peoples of the United States, the European Union, friendly and sisterly countries the world-over to generously donate food and medical aid to the Beja in order to save the lives of the helpless children and women.

The Seminar, furthermore, commends the effective role the different humanitarian bodies played in saving the lives of the needy masses in Southern Sudan and Dar Four in spite of the obstacles and hindrances created by the present regime in Khartoum.

The Eastern Region which is preparing itself for the negotiations with the Government in order to find a peaceful solution to the civil war there would not like the world to be faced one day with the sad fact that the Beja are on the verge of extinction. The survival of these ancient people, who have been fighting hostile environment and unfriendly nature, depends on the positive response from the International Community. The Beja are asking for tools that enable them live in dignity in their own land working for development and prosperity.

As the International Community is well aware of the delaying tactics of the present government in Khartoum in dealing with the problems of the marginalized people, the Seminar appeals to all concerned parties to exert maximum pressure on the Government to reach a peaceful solution during the negotiations that are expected to start in Asmara, Eritrea, on 17 June, 2006 and allow international observers to attend them as guarantors for any future peace accord.

Vlotho, FR of Germany 25 June, 2006.