Act now on South #Sudan: Tell your Ambassador to save lives not pennies

There has been increasing violence in the oil-rich Kordofan region of Sudan as the South prepares to become independent on July 9. More people in South Sudan have been killed in the first months of 2011 (over 1800) than in the whole of 2010 (less than 1000). Violence in recent weeks in Abyei, Southern Kordofan and across southern Sudan has also forced over 180,000 people to flee their homes, according to UN reports.

This week the UN Security Council will be debating the peacekeeping mission to Sudan, but agencies have warned that failure to fully fund and resource it would undermine the progress that has been made over the past six years. There are concerns that in an attempt to cut costs troop and civilian staffing numbers could be reduced for the next South Sudan peacekeeping mission. Potential cuts risk endangering thousands of lives and future stability.

Despite the UK Government’s public commitments to protecting its people from violence, South Sudan still needs support from the international community to keep civilians safe and promote law and order. The decision on troop numbers and civilian components should put the people of South Sudan first.

Any decisions on the future UN mission should be based on the real needs on the ground, not shortsighted budget concerns. Act Now:

Tweet the UK UN Ambassador to ask them to provide adequate peacekeeping resources for South Sudan

If you’re in the US tweet Ambassador Rice.

If you’re in France, tweet the French UN Ambassador asking that they provide the peacekeeping resources South Sudan needs.

For those of you in Germany, send a tweet to your UN Ambassador here.