Web Text AFR 54/021/2006

2 June 2006

Sudan: Crisis in Darfur

Villages burned. Women raped, men and children tortured and killed. Two million people forcibly displaced from their homes – more than 200,000 are in refugee camps in neighbouring Chad. Three years after the conflict started, civilians are still targeted and the killings are spreading into Chad.

On 5 May 2006 a peace agreement was signed between the Sudanese government and one of the armed political groups in Darfur. On 16 May 2006 the UN Security Council agreed to send UN peace-keeping forces to Darfur to help African Union (AU) troops with the implementation of the peace agreement.

Up to now, the AU has not been able to effectively protect civilians from attacks by armed groups (particularly the government-sponsored Janjawid militia), and attacks are continuing with impunity. The UN Security Council must urgently deploy a strong UN mission authorized to use force to protect civilians in Darfur.

Amnesty International is calling for:

THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS

· The deployment of a UN peace-keeping force assoon as possible, with a mandate to protect civilians, implement and monitor the arms embargo and intervene with appropriate force to end abuses.

· Continued support for AU forces to protect civilians and implement human-rights related provisions of the Peace agreement.

· Guaranteed security for the displaced in Darfur and Chad. All sides must adopt measures to increase protection, ensure access to humanitarian aid and assist civilians wanting to return to their homes and villages.

A HUMAN RIGHTS AGENDA FOR PEACE

· Abusers of human rights must be disarmed. Both sides must present plans and begin the implementation of disarmament, overseen by AU/UN peace-keepers.

· Commissions for Ceasefire, Land and Reconstruction and Development detailed in the Peace Agreement must be formed and effective.

· Just and transparent procedures must be put in place for returning land to displaced people and compensation.

JUSTICE TO BE UPHELD

· The Sudanese authorities must fully support the work of the International Criminal Court in bringing perpetrators to justice.

· Darfur Special Courts – set up by the Sudanese government, but are not proving effective – must be reformed, or removed.

Act now: Make some noise for Women in Darfur********