Eritrean rights group urges US to protect Darfur people

– Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
– U.S. Department of State
– 2201 C Street NW
– Washington, DC 20520,
US

RE: Please Protect Civilians in Darfur

Dear Secretary of State Rice

We are writing to express grave concern about the recent military offensive launched by the Government of Sudan in Darfur. This offensive, intended to target areas under the control of armed groups that have not signed the Darfur Peace Agreement, threatens civilians and already-vulnerable populations. This latest offensive not only violates the letter and spirit of the Darfur Peace Agreement and UN Security Council resolution 1591, but threatens to exacerbate the already desperate humanitarian situation in Darfur.

We ask that you support the protection of civilians in Darfur by all necessary means as expressed in UN Security Council Resolution 1706 by pursuing every opportunity to strengthen the African Union Mission in Sudan until the deployment of UN peacekeepers into Darfur. We also ask that you condemn the military offensive by the Sudanese government, and remind all parties of their obligations under the Darfur Peace Agreement, existing relevant Security Council resolutions, and international humanitarian law.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

Sincerely,

signed

Eritrean Community for Human Rights & Refugee Protection

PO Box 41174 –
Arlington, VA 22204-8174 –
US