I. Security

Peacekeepers with sufficient numbers and resources to do their jobs
The United Nations (UN) is finally deploying the reinforcement peacekeepers the African Union (AU) was requesting for 2 years. But UNAMID (the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) will only succeed if donor countries get behind it in meaningful terms. Though African countries have pledged most peacekeepers, the rest of the international community must supply essential financing, specialized personnel, equipment, material goods and logistical support. Canada must commit funds, material resources, training and logistical support to UNAMID, and actively compel other privileged donor states to follow suit.

Peacekeepers with the mandate and means to protect civilians
With 30,000 military, police and civilian personnel behind it, UNAMID will be one of the largest operations in peacekeeping history. But in order to protect civilians, UNAMID will require a strong mandate to disarm militia groups like the Janjaweed, the capacity to report ground activities without censorship, and the ability to patrol and travel freely in Darfur day and night. Canada must lead the international community in demanding the necessary mandate, population access and communications rights for UNAMID to protect vulnerable Darfuri populations, and must loudly condemn attempts by the Sudanese Government of others to obstruct or undermine the peacekeeping deployment and operations.

II. Humanitarian Aid

Increased aid levels
The UN considers Darfur’s the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Thirteen UN agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and more than 80 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with more than 12,000 personnel, provide food, shelter, infrastructure, resources and services to 4.2 million Darfurians affected by the crisis. Canada must provide increased and ongoing contributions to humanitarian organizations working with Darfurians, to sustain vulnerable populations during the crisis and until they can safely return home.

Safe humanitarian access to populations in need
Insecurity is the biggest obstacle facing Darfur relief operations. Attacks on humanitarian convoys, looting of supplies, hijacking of delivery vehicles and violent attacks targeting personnel, make it incredibly difficult to get goods and services to those in need. Most humanitarian organizations in Darfur and neighbouring Chad are forced to limit operations to essential staff only. Others have had to relocate or withdraw altogether; and up to half a million Darfurians are cut off from aid because they cannot be safely accessed. Canada must work with the international community to secure unfettered safe passage of humanitarian supplies to all Darfuri populations in need. Canada must also support the UNAMID peacekeepers who are mandated to protect humanitarian operations, supply routes and personnel in Darfur.

III. Peace Process

An inclusive peace process addressing broad grievances
Only the Government of Sudan and one rebel faction endorsed the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) of May 2006. Its failure to address broader grievances undermined the potential for a ceasefire, and created the conditions for extensive splintering within armed rebel groups. Some advances have been made to bridge gaps and identify common ground between factions, but the process has been slow and armed parties are not the only groups who should be consulted. Canada and the international community must provide extensive diplomatic, financial and logistical support to the peace process and ensure that representation at the table goes beyond leaders of armed factions to include leaders of women’s and other civil society groups. Lasting peace in Darfur hinges on new, inclusive and broadly accepted social contracts (which will take time), international assistance, resources, and diverse representation from Darfuri society.

IV: Justice

Ending the cycle of impunity in Darfur
Failure to hold those committing international crimes accountable for their actions has fostered a cycle of impunity in Darfur. In 2005, the UN Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC); and in early 2007, the ICC issued arrest warrants for two suspects. But the Court is constrained in its investigations because it does not have access to Darfur or enforcement agents to carry out arrests. Canada must provide financial support to the ICC’s investigations and lead calls for an expansion of UNAMID’s mandate to include jurisdiction over ICC arrests. Khartoum must be pressured to surrender suspects for trial and to allow the ICC to work in Darfur to gather further evidence.

Canada must act with a sense of urgency by committing essential peacekeeping and humanitarian resources, and by making peace and justice in Darfur top diplomatic priorities. This must be done in the interests of regional security and saving lives. We have supported the UN and AU to date in Darfur, but it is time to ramp up our commitments and further engage in international efforts. We cannot expect other countries to lend their support and resources if we do not lead by example and rally them forward. It is time to make the necessary Canadian commitments to get results in Darfur, and to help usher an end to the crisis.

Canada and the international community must also monitor peace between Khartoum and South Sudan, as stability in the rest of the country is a prerequisite for lasting peace in Darfur.

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