Policy
Policy Papers and Additional Information
Below and linked are short summaries and additional information addressing some of the major Darfur policy questions:
Economic Policy Issues
To learn more about policy issues regarding Darfur, please contact us.
UNAMID Deployment
On July 31, 2007 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 1769 authorizing the UN-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The force - consisting of as many as 26,000 troops, police and civilian personnel and costing as much as $2 billion per year - was first authorized by UNSC Resolution 1706 almost a year prior. However, the Government of Sudan refused to accept the UN's peacekeeping mandate. This marked the first time in history that a UN peacekeeping force was authorized but did not deploy. The failure of Resolution 1706 and the continuing genocide in Darfur underscore the urgency of quickly and fully implementing Resolution 1769.
More Information
- Download GI-Net's one-pager on UNAMID deployment.
- View the Enough Project's Report, How to Get the UN/AU Hybrid Force Deployed.
- View Save Darfur's fact sheet on UN Security Council Resolution 1769.
- View Save Darfur's Frequently Asked Question Sheet on Resolution 1769.
Darfur Peace Process
The most recent round of Darfur peace talks were scheduled to begin on October 27, 2007. After a day of deliberations the talks were postponed when several of the largest rebel groups refused to attend. The talks were expected to resume after several weeks when the parties involved were better prepared. However, several months have passed and as of today, the talks have yet to resume.
On May 5th, 2006 the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed by one rebel group, a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army led by Minni Minawi, and the Government of Sudan. The groups present at the negotiations later splintered into many competing factions, which are only now taking steps to regroup and present a united front once the peace talks resume.
More Information
- Download GI-Net's one-pager on the peace process.
- View the ENOUGH Project's Report, A Strategy for Success in Sirte
Southern Sudan and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
In October 2004, a permanent ceasefire agreement brought the 21-year war between the northern-based government of Sudan and the southern-based Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) to an end. After extensive negotiation, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was adopted-formally marking the resolution of the conflict.
The implementation of the CPA and the prospects for peace in Darfur are inextricably linked; neither one can be achieved without the other.
More Information: CPA
- Download GI-Net's CPA one-pager.
- View the ENOUGH Project's Report, An All-Sudan Solution: Linking Darfur and the South.
The Abyei Protocol is an important provision of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The Abyei region is a highly-contested, oil-rich area located between North and South Sudan. The Abyei Protocol, which would also enable the people of the region to decide whether to become part of the North or part of the South, is currently facing hurdles related to implementation.
More Information: Abyei
Establishing a No-Fly Zone?
Establishing a no-fly zone is a military policy option that is often discussed by members of Congress, presidential candidates, Darfur advocates and media outlets. GI-Net recognizes that there is more that the
More Information
- Download GI-Net's No-Fly Zone one-pager.
- View the ENOUGH Project's report, Khartoum Bombs and the World Debates.
International Criminal Court and Accountability
As the United States continues to work toward an end to the genocide in Darfur, it is important for the perpetrators of genocide to be held accountable for their crimes.
On March 31, 2005 the United Nations Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation. It is important for the United States to do everything in its power to assist the ICC investigation. In particular, the United States can supply the ICC with relevant intelligence. With help from the United States, the ICC can work to ensure that the victims of genocide receive justice.
More Information
- Download GI-Net's two-pager to learn how the ICC works.
- Download GI-Net's ICC one-pager on the ICC and Darfur.
- Download a report from Citizens for Global Solutions.
U.S. Financial Support for Peacekeeping
In order to provide for the protection of civilians and the needs of the thousands displaced by the genocide, it is imperative that the United States appropriate the necessary funding for peacekeeping.
Peacekeeping
The United Nations assesses the United States' contribution to peacekeeping at approximately 27% of mission costs. The success of the UNAMID force in Darfur and other peacekeeping missions throughout the world depend on the United States' willingness to meet its financial obligations.
Benefits of UN Peacekeeping
United Nations' peacekeeping is a great bargain for the United States. These missions are of fundamental importance in ensuring peace and stability around the world and cost a fraction of what a unilateral mission would.
More Information
- Download the United Nation's fact sheet on the benefits of UN peacekeeping.
- Visit the Better World Campaign's webpage on the benedits of investing in UN peacekeeping.
Gum Arabic and Economic Advocacy
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More Information
- Download GI-Net's one-pager on gum arabic and economic advocacy.