UN Resolution Significant Step Towards Peace
September 1, 2006 — Against the odds yesterday, a groundbreaking UN resolution was passed on Darfur. The agreement, which authorizes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter to protect civilians, ensure the free movement of UN and other workers and to seize arms held in contravention of Resolution 1556, is a major breakthrough in the move towards peace. Darfur Centre for Human Rights and Development welcomes this resolution and the efforts of the international community to secure it.
However, a significant number of implementation obstacles remain. Notably, the request that the Government of National Unity consents to a U.N. force which still places too much autonomy in the hands of those perpetrating the genocide. Lam Akol’s recent comments that the only appropriate measure for Darfur is the government’s own protection plan to bring 26,000 government troops into the region also underscores a cynical attitude towards peace. Further, his objections to the entry of the U.N. on the grounds that it impinges on sovereignty ring rather hollow however when viewed against the fact that the U.N. already operating in Sudan — throughout the South and Khartoum.
And yet it is clear that a U.N force is urgently needed. Despite significant efforts, the AU’s mission has suffered from inadequate mandating, funding and in latter times, legitimacy on the ground. In Darfur itself, the build-up of government troops around the El-Fasher area in readiness for an all-out assault on rebel groups has been escalating by the day. Deep inside rebel held territory the National Redemption Front and other splinter factions are preparing for conflict. All this, while the civilians of the region find themselves increasingly deprived of access to food, medicine and other forms of humanitarian aid.
At the present time the following points should be noted:
• First, the international community must apply significant pressure to the Sudanese government including sanctions or other means if they continue to refuse the UN force for Darfur. Their contradictory position vis a vis Darfur, while allowing UN forces into other parts of Sudan must be highlighted. They must not be allowed to use the argument of “sovereignty” to frustrate the efforts of the U.N. especially when this argument is being selectively applied. If the U.N. can be allowed to operate elsewhere in Sudan, it should also be allowed to operate in Darfur.
• Second, the build-up of arms both by the government in El-Fasher and by the Rebel Forces is in direct contravention of the DPA. The international community must follow through with sanctions if these violations continue to be committed.
• Third, every effort should be made to broker a dialogue from which consensus can be reached with those who have not signed the DPA. The only real peace in Darfur will be an organic, internally sustained peace and this has to come from the ground. Many of those who have taken up arms and are roaming around Darfur have done so because they don’t have a stake in the peace agreement and they do not perceive themselves to have a future. This is the worst case scenario, since people who consider that they have nothing to lose are more likely to engage in the escalating build up of arms and violence. Diplomatic efforts must continue to bring alienated groups back into the negotiation process without delay.
• Efforts must be made to bring those responsible for war crimes to the ICC without delay. They must be held accountable for their actions.
Questions about this press release or others may be addressed to:
Darfur Centre for Human Rights and Development,
The Archway Resource Centre,
1a Waterlow Rd,
London, N19 5NJ
by e-mail: [email protected]
Web-site: www.dcfhr.org