Last July, when South Sudan was established as the world’s newest nation, the world was full of hope for the future of the Sudanese people. But now, less than a year later, the long-term peace and stability of Sudan and South Sudan are at a critical juncture.
Sudan remains an urgent priority for the world. Our Bishops, through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been in the forefront in working for peace in the Sudan for many years. Catholic Relief and the Bishops’ Conference have been working to ensure the policy debate includes actions that immediately end the violence and begin a plan for peace and reconciliation. The USCCB works closely with the Church in Sudan which has been vocal in its calls for a halt to the violence, full implementation of adequate humanitarian and development relief for those in need and respect of human rights.
We need both the North and South Sudan to resolve post-referendum disputes, including guaranteeing citizenship rights, sharing oil revenue, stabilizing the border and identifying the solutions needed to ensure a peaceful establishment of the two new countries. One way to accomplish this is to call for continued, intensive pressure on Sudan to stop the fighting in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile and allow immediate access to humanitarian agencies to supply urgent relief assistance.
Now is the time to put pressure and ask world leaders to continue support for the peacekeeping mission as well as to serve as a monitor in the area. It has been a country filled with bloody conflict since the Second Sudanese Civil War began in 1983. In 2005, a cease fire was called. However, the ongoing civil unrest and violence never really ended. While many think the situation has been resolved, there is a need, now more than ever, to call attention to the situation in Sudan. The killings and displacement of peoples is one of the worst situations in the world. You can help. Take a minute and click on the link below which will send a letter to Secretary of State Clinton.
Sign this letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, urging her to ensure that the Administration is engaged in every way possible to prevent a return to war, to end attacks on civilians, and to protect the basic rights of the Sudanese people, including the freedom of movement and access to humanitarian aid.
Have you ever met a “lost boy of the Sudan” currently resettled in the United States? Do you know of their incredible journey to freedom? Share a thought….
Notre Dame Sister Kathleen Ryan is the Director of the Diocese of Cleveland Social Action Office. She is responsible for creating and implementing programs and pursuing legislative advocacy for peace, social and economic justice. She is beginning her 25th year at Catholic Charities and the diocese after a nineteen year teaching career. She recently was named Coordinator of the Sisters of Norte Dame, Chardon, OH, Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Committee. 
The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, belong to an international congregation of more than two thousand apostolic women religious. We are one in mind and one in heart for the transformation of the world in Christ. 
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Thank you for reminding me of the forgotten people of the world.
Donate to Catholic Relief Services for the great work they do.
Thanks, Maxine. I totally agree with you. Catholic Relief Services is so highly respected world-wide for their service and the spirit in which they do their work. I remember reading about humanitarian aid workers being expelled from Iraq, but they let Catholic Relief stay because for years “they were already there.”
I am so very interested in the progress of the newest African nation. The problem, again, is the oil fields on the northern boundary of the country. There is also the question of the two religions represented by the split. I pray daily for the resolution of the conflict and am distraught over the recent headlines.