UN Takes First Steps to End Human Rights Crisis in Darfur

Human Rights First

– Contact: Nicky Lazar, (212) 845-5220/ [email protected]

U.N. Takes First Steps to End Human Rights Crisis in Darfur, but Immediate Action is Required: U.S. Deserves Credit for Leadership Role on Darfur

The U.N. Security Council took a welcome first step in ending impunity in Darfur by authorizing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold accountable those responsible for grave crimes in the region, said Human Rights First. On Thursday evening, March 31, the Security Council voted 11-0 in favor of a resolution that refers the situation of Darfur to the ICC. Algeria, Brazil, China and the United States abstained.

“The Security Council sent a strong message to all parties in Darfur that those who commit crimes against humanity will be brought to justice,” said John Stompor, Senior Associate in the International Justice program of Human Rights First.

The resolution on ending impunity in Darfur was the third regarding Sudan in the last week. Two prior resolutions, each sponsored by the United States, established a U.N. force to monitor the peace in the south of Sudan and enacted a regime of punitive measures, including a travel ban and asset freeze for those individuals who continue to obstruct the peace process in Darfur.

“In working together, the United States, France, Britain and the other members of the Security Council have made great strides in addressing the human rights emergency in the region,” said Stompor.

U.N. member states should now build on this initial step by providing greater support for the African Union forces in Darfur as an urgent priority, urged Human Rights First.

“There is a great need to enlarge the African Union force in Darfur and strengthen its mandate to protect civilians,” said Stompor. “To do this, the African Union will need generous political, financial and logistical support from donor countries, such as the United States and the members of the European Union.”

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For the past quarter century, Human Rights First (the new name of Lawyers Committee for Human Rights) has worked in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world by advancing justice, human dignity and respect for the rule of law. We support human rights activists who fight for basic freedoms and peaceful change at the local level; protect refugees in flight from persecution and repression; help build a strong international system of justice and accountability; and make sure human rights laws and principles are enforced in the United States and abroad.