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IRD Joins Voices for Sudan in Calling for 'All Sudan, Country-Wide Approach in U.S. Sudan Policy'
Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639, jwalton@TheIRD.org
 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Institute on Religion and Democracy's Church Alliance for a New Sudan will join Voices for Sudan, a new advocacy organization uniting the voices of all of the marginalized and oppressed peoples of Sudan, for a press briefing on Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at 2 p.m., at 402 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC.
 
The briefing will announce Voices for Sudan's recommendations to U.S. policy makers for an "all Sudan, country-wide approach" in U.S. Sudan policy. Voices for Sudan represents Sudanese activists from every corner of Sudan -- emphasizing the marginalization and persecution of all of Sudan's black, African people groups, as well as all other Sudanese who dissent from hard-line, elitist minority in Khartoum.
 
IRD Church Alliance for a New Sudan Director Faith J.H. McDonnell commented:
 
"It is time for the U.S. government to acknowledge that the regime of Omar al-Bashir has marginalized and oppressed almost the entire country of Sudan.
 
"Some 87 percent of the entire population is treated as persecuted minorities in their own country.
 
"The U.S. needs to stand in unwavering support with Sudan's marginalized people as they seek to bring peace, religious freedom, and a secular democracy to all of Sudan."
 
Voices for Sudan president Jimmy Mulla commented:
 
"Full and fair implementation of the final phase of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is critical to help ensure peace and stability in Sudan. This includes the January 9, 2011 Referendum on Secession to be held in South Sudan. Equally important is the timely and credible implementation of the Popular Consultation process in Sudan's Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan States, in accordance with the CPA, and successful and just peace processes in Darfur and Eastern Sudan."
 
The Popular Consultation is a mechanism to ascertain the people of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan States' views on their democratic rights under the CPA.
 
"The stakes are high for Sudan, for the region, and for the international community. Continued high-level U.S. engagement by the Administration, members of Congress, the advocacy community and the grassroots movement in Sudan during this critical phase is necessary to ensure peaceful transition and resolution of Sudan's outstanding conflicts."
 
The Institute on Religion & Democracy works to reaffirm the church's biblical and historical teachings, strengthen and reform its role in public life, protect religious freedom, and renew democracy at home and abroad.