SPOTLIGHT ON DARFUR

Armed conflict continues to rage in the Darfur region of western Sudan. Already as many as 400,000 are estimated to have died as a result of the conflict and as many as 2 million are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes. Despite widespread media attention in the West and a flurry of diplomatic activity, the situation continues to deteriorate. In fact the head of the AU mission has characterized the situation as a "time bomb," hinting that even more serious violence is in store.

The response of the international community to the crisis has been fractured. While the United States has taken a vehement position in labeling the situation in Darfur genocide, the Sudanese government has responded by asserting that the US assessment is politically motivated. And unfortunately, the efforts of Western NGOs are vulnerable to the same attack. The success of this approach in exploit international fissures can be most starkly seen in the silence of Arab states in responding to the crisis.

In the context of this fractured political climate, and the increasingly important role of the African Union in mediating the crisis, having an African voice in the crisis is particularly important. Not only might an independent African assessment, not vulnerable to the same political pressures, be more successful in moving the dialogue forward. African civil society also has a unique role to play in advocating that African governments maintain the focus on Darfur and that they appropriate action be taken at the AU level.  

The International Refugee Rights Initiative is proud to be playing a role in bringing together the Darfur Consortium, a group of African and Africa-focused international NGOs working on the Darfur crisis. The Consortium was born of a desire to see more concerted action between organizations working in Africa to advocate regionally for effective action. The Consortium hopes to conduct an independent assessment of the situation in Darfur and launch a shared advocacy platform.

International Refugee Rights Initiative publications regarding the situation in Darfur:

"Children’s Fate Focus of Fifth Global Day for Darfur," Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 3, May 2008.

"How Sudan Lost the AU Presidency for the Third Time" Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 2, April 2008.

"Prestigious Sakharov Prize 2007 Awarded to Salih Mahmoud
Osman," Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 2, April 2008.

Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Receives Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Prize" Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2008.

"World Leaders Are Urged 'Not To Look Away' at the Fourth Global Day for Darfur"Refugee Rights News, Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2008.

"South African musician, Hugh Masekela, becomes goodwill ambassador for Darfur," June 2007.

"The Darfur Peace Agreement: What hope for the displaced?" Refugee Rights News, Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2006.

"Human Rights Advocates Detained in Darfur," May 17, 2006.

"Internal Flight in Sudan: UNHCR issues new policy guidance," Refugee Rights News, Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2006.

"Slipping at the Edges: The Darfur Crisis Expanding," Refugee Rights News, Volume 3, Issue 1, February 2006.

"What Does John Garang’s Death Mean for Darfur?" Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2005.

"Slow Progress on Darfur Crisis," Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2005.

"Working towards Justice in Darfur: What next after the ICC referral?" Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 1, May 2005.

"Darfur--A Reflection," Refugee Rights News, Volume 2, Issue 1, May 2005.

"The Situation in Darfur—no end in sight," Refugee Rights News, Volume 1, Issue 2, December 2004.

"The Crisis in Darfur: How much more do we know?" Refugee Rights News, Volume 1, Issue 1, October 2004.

To find out more about the Darfur Consortium and to read its publictions, please visit the Consortium's website at www.darfurconsortium.org