Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The blocking of food and humanitarian aid is being used as a weapon against half a million people in an embattled region of the Sudan, according to over 30 activist organizations set to march tomorrow in protest.

Event Details:

What: National Day of Action for Sudan: Protest, March and Demonstration demanding action to stop Sudan's government-imposed humanitarian disaster.

Who: Institute on Religion & Democracy, United to End Genocide and over 30 allied organizations

When: Friday, March 16, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Where: Beginning at Sheridan Circle, Massachusetts Ave, R St, and 23rd St NW, ending at the Sudanese Embassy on 2210 Massachusetts Ave NW

Demonstrating groups, which include the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD), are demanding that action be taken against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, a war criminal wanted for genocide. Sudan's Islamist government continues to bomb South Kordofan's Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions, all while refusing to admit aid groups to against innocent men, women and children who risk starvation.

IRD Religious Liberty Program Director Faith J.H. McDonnell commented:

"If nothing else, Bashir is consistent: he is using the same tactics again against civilians in South Kordofan and Blue Nile that he used against them less than ten years ago.

"Why are bombs universally acknowledged as weapons, but forced starvation that kills so many more is not? The Islamist government on Sudan murdered hundreds of thousands of Nuba in the 1980s and 90s, and 300,000 people in Darfur through the very same means. The time to step in is now."

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.

www.TheIRD.org