On 12 May, the United Nations Security Council extended the presence of the United Nations mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) for two weeks until 26 May 2010 to allow for more time to examine a possible revision of the mandate.

The Chadian authorities have informed the UN Secretary General that they will take full responsibility for the protection of civilians in eastern Chad, including more than 400,000 Sudanese refugees and Chadian displaced people. But they did not provide a concrete plan on how they are going to ensure this. There is no indication that the Chadian security forces are in a position to protect civilians in eastern Chad without the support of MINURCAT.

It is the responsibility of the UN Security Council to ensure that civilians in eastern Chad will be effectively protected, if MINURCAT leaves. Key UN Security Council members, especially France, which often takes the lead on matters related to Chad at the Security Council, can make a difference by insisting that the protection of civilians in eastern Chad remains part of the new mandate of MINURCAT.

Take action now by adding your voice to that of more than 10,000 other people worldwide who have already taken part. Send an email to the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, asking him to demonstrate leadership at the UN Security Council and ensure that the mandate of MINURCAT is renewed and civilians effectively protected.

Take action now by sending the e-mail below to the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, asking him to take the lead at the UN Security Council and ensure that the mandate of MINURCAT is renewed and civilians effectively protected.

Open Letter to Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton: Call on the US government to insist that the new MINURCAT mandate protects civilians in eastern Chad