Originally issued as a CGS press release on November 16, 2004.
Upcoming UN Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, Represents Golden Opportunity to End the Violence and Suffering in Darfur
Washington, DC – A coalition of 17 U.S. organizations recently came together to write all 15 members of the United Nations Security Council urging them to use their upcoming meeting in Nairobi on November 18-19 to adopt a Resolution that would protect civilians, enforce a no-fly zone over the Darfur region, and impose a complete arms embargo on Sudan.
The coalition commended the Security Council for its commitment to peace in Sudan, but noted with concern the continuing violence and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s recent conclusion that there is “strong evidence” that war crimes and crimes against humanity have occurred on “a large and systematic scale” in Sudan.
The coalition is a diverse grouping of 17 organizations ranging from Citizens for Global Solutions and Freedom House, to human rights organizations such as Refugees International and U.S. Committee on Refugees, as well as religious organizations such as Church Women United, American Jewish World Service, and New York Board of Rabbis.
The letter specifically calls upon the Security Council to adopt a Resolution that:
- Gives the African Union force in Sudan a mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to protect civilians and enforce the ceasefire;
- Authorizes enforcement of the no-fly zone over the Darfur region;
- Imposes an immediate arms embargo on the Government of Sudan and rebel forces and implements specific sanctions (including economic sanctions) against the government and any associated individuals or businesses;
- Puts in place plans to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court if the Commission of Inquiry finds that war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide have taken place in Darfur.
Harpinder Athwal, Citizens for Global Solutions’ Peace and Security Program Manager said: “Only the UN Security Council can ensure that both the Sudanese Government and the rebels honor the ceasefire and the no-fly zone recently agreed upon in Nigeria. The world will be watching the UN meeting in Nairobi. It is time for the UN to give some teeth to previous resolutions and follow through on threats of sanctions.”
