Physicians for Human Rights welcomes Darfur Peace Agreement

CONTACT: Nathaniel Raymond, [email protected]
– Cell: (617) 413-6407 Phone: (617) 301-4232

May 6, 2006 — Physicians for Human Rights welcomes the Darfur Peace Agreement as a chance to stop the killing of civilians, widespread rape, pillaging and burning of villages. Enabling Darfurians to return to their homes and rebuild in safety is paramount. Before the ink on the accord is dry, the UN–with contributing nations–should deploy a peacekeeping force alongside the current African Union mission, with the power to protect civilians in Darfur.

If the agreement is adhered to by all parties, it will be a tremendous step forward and offer hope for millions of displaced people. But lasting peace cannot be truly secured without justice: criminal prosecution and compensation for the victims. The criminal justice system in Sudan, including police and local courts, must undergo serious reform if it is to protect and defend the rights of the victims of rape, torture, theft and violent attacks.

While the International Criminal Court continues to investigate genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur, the US and the international community should also assure that the main perpetrators, the Government of Sudan and their proxy militias, return their ill-gotten gain by paying compensation and reparations to the communities they have torn asunder.

PHR welcomes the inclusion of compensation for victims in the peace agreement. The land that Darfurians fled during the genocide must be restored to the surviving members of these damaged communities. Oil revenues earned by the Government of Sudan should cover urgent humanitarian needs and finance the rebuilding of Darfur. China and other countries that benefit from Sudan’s oil should be called on for this effort as well.

The peace agreement should not in any way obstruct or restrict investigations and prosecutions for the heinous crimes committed in Darfur. The people of Darfur deserve peace with justice.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) mobilizes the health professions to advance the health and dignity of all people. As a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, PHR shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

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