As congress looks to tighten its fiscal belt the international Affair budget has come under significant attack with outrageous proposed cuts to several programs that provide life-saving assistance to Sudan. These proposed life threatening cuts include $431 million (50%) cut in the International Disaster Assistance account, $582 million (36%) cut in the Food for Peace program and $687 million (41%) cut in the Migration and Refugee Assistance budget.

The cuts also threaten important Genocide Prevention funds such as The Complex Crises Fund, which has enabled the United States to more effectively respond to situations at risk for mass atrocities, has been completely eliminated. Also The Civilian Stabilization Initiative that runs programs to mitigate conflict has been reduced by $137 million, which represents a 74% cut.  

These cuts put U.S. interests at risk during a critical time when violence in Darfur is on the rise and south Sudan stands ready to become the world’s newest independent country . These severe reductions run counter to the United States’ commitment to peace in Darfur and Sudan and will only embolden those that committ gross human atrocities such as genocide.