Calls for Action over Darfur Violence to Move Fast after UN Report

A recent report released by the United Nations (UN) on 1st February has cleared any claims of genocide in Dafur, Sudan. While the comments have been widely criticised by world leaders for not reflecting the true situation in the troubled country, the description in the report about the inhuman violence is undeniable. Despite the debate over the report, the calls for further actions over Darfur’s deadlock are soaring.

Currently, the UN recommended unnamed Sudanese government officials and militia leaders to be referred to the International Criminal Court for systematic abuses that may constitute crimes against humanity.

The new Hague-based International Criminal Court was set up to try individuals for genocide, war crimes and massive human-rights abuses.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is a supporter of ICC and he urged quick action to try perpetrators of violence in Darfur. He also stated his belief that sanctions should be seriously considered against the Sudanese Government.

"What is vital is that these people are indeed held accountable," Annan said in a statement. "Such grave crimes cannot be committed with impunity. That would be a terrible betrayal of the victims, and of potential future victims in Darfur and elsewhere."

The US has resisted the use of ICC and has suggested imposing a travel ban and an assets freeze on those responsible for the violence. On the other hand, British Ambassador to the UN Emyr Jones Parry has said, "The British Position is that this is a case that is tailor-made for the International Criminal Court."

The Methodist Church Great Britain has expressed its concern and urged a commitment to action following the publication of the report by the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur to the UN. The Church has hinted that it agrees with the need for necessary sanctions against Sudan.

Steve Hucklesby, Secretary for International Affairs said, "There is a great deal of concern among many in the Methodist Church that in spite of consistent warnings of escalating violence in Darfur, there is little action being taken to impose a ceasefire. It is all too apparent that the size of the African Union peacekeeping force is wholly inadequate."

"The International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur has concluded that the Justice System in Sudan is incapable of prosecuting those accused of war crimes," said Steve Hucklesby.

"It is right that persuasion should be used before sanctions; however, the time for persuasion has passed. In the light of continued aerial bombardment of civilian targets the UN Security Council must live up to its promise in September 2004 to take effective action to ensure full compliance with Security Council resolutions 1556 and 1564. We urge the UK Government to press for the force to be increased in size beyond the number promised so far and for a review the effectiveness of its current mandate. The Security Council must also ensure that those accused of killing, torture and rape are brought to justice".

In a press release dated 1st February from Oxfam Great Britain, the charity reported that each week thousands more people arrive in camps and villages across Darfur. There they join the hundreds of thousands already living in desperate conditions, many without access to clean water and sanitation, poor shelter and little food, in conditions ripe for malnutrition and disease.

"We mustn't forget that people are still being killed, still being forced to flee their homes, still suffering each and every day. In some cases people who have already been driven from their homes once are being forced to move on again. The level of suffering that is still going on in Darfur is incredible," Oxfam warned.