PRESS RELEASE

June 6 2008

NGO outraged over suspension of field work in Zimbabwe

TEAR Fund NZ executive director Stephen Tollestrup is outraged that NGOs have had to suspend operations in Zimbabwe.

The climate in Zimbabwe is volatile and we have grave fears about what might happen next, he said.

“It is a very anxious and difficult time for our partners and other NGOs, both domestic and international working in Zimbabwe. The only positive in this is that it clearly demonstrates what NGOs have long known about this corrupt regime.”

Many NGOs were hopeful that recent elections would result in greater access to Zimbabwe, bringing aid and healing to the country crippled by debt and human rights violations; but it seems that these hopes may be crushed.”

For the sake of the people, TEAR Fund urges the government of Zimbabwe to listen to reason and allow NGOs working there, to resume their operations, and calls on the New Zealand government to use whatever diplomatic leverage it has at its disposal to ensure this outcome,” said Mr Tollestrup.

ENDS

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