Advocacy Messages

In order to bring about sustainable peace, justice and reconciliation in Darfur, DAN advocates that the Australian Government, as a member of the international community, take responsible action to protect those affected by the conflict from human rights abuse.

DAN advocates that, in addition to humanitarian aid, the Australian government should address the Darfur crisis immediately and in the long-term through;

Immediate Action

1. Pledging logistical support and technical expertise to the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) including air assets, specialist peacekeeping personnel and financial support.

2. Calling on China and other states with strong diplomatic and economic ties with Sudan to urge the Government of National Unity;
a. To cease hostilities and actively participate in meaningful peace negotiations.
b. To cooperate in a process of mutual disarmament of all militia and rebel groups in Darfur under the supervision of UNAMID.

3. Using diplomatic and economic ties with China and Russia to ensure strict compliance with the United Nations arms embargo with Sudan.

4. Working with like minded States, especially those in Africa to address the issue of foreign resettlement in Darfur by using high level diplomacy within the UN to;
a. Ensure UNHCR monitor resettlement in the destroyed regions of Darfur and brief the Human Rights Council and General Assembly accordingly.
b. Demand the Sudanese government immediately halt supervised repopulation of villages with persons who previously did not reside in the Darfur region.
c. Ensure land tenure issues are considered in any negotiations relating to the Darfur Peace Agreement

5. Using high level diplomacy within the UN to;
a. Encourage both Sudan and Chad to comply with the terms of the Riyadh agreement and cease cross border raids.
b. Call on the Government of National Unity and UNAMID to provide space for negotiations for a unified and representative rebel position
c. Ensure a comprehensive re-negotiation of the Darfur Peace Agreement with fair representation of all affected parties.

6. Assisting and encouraging the UNHCR to resolve issues faced by Darfuri refugees, in Chad, Cairo and elsewhere, by allowing them access to the Refugee Status Determination mechanism of the UNHCR;

7. Adjusting the Offshore Humanitarian Program intake to;
a. Adequately reflect the severity of the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Darfur;
b. Account for the limited operational capacity of the UNHCR and the subsequent impact on the agency’s annual recommendation for resettlement;
c. Differentiate between the ongoing crisis in Darfur and the fragile peace in South Sudan

Ongoing Action

8. Using diplomacy within the UN General Assembly to;
a. Pressure the Government of National Unity to fulfil its obligations under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, particularly in relation to the 2009 election
b. Ensure UNAMIS monitor the appropriate implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in South Sudan
c. Ensure UNAMID and UNAMIS work to facilitate a representative census and fair and peaceful election process in Sudan.

9. Calling on the UN and States with strong diplomatic and economic ties with Sudan to encourage the Government of National Unity to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC);
a. Providing access to information, freedom of movement and security to the ICC in order to carry out its investigations
b. Arresting and transferring to the Hague suspected war criminals who have been summoned by the Court

These advocacy messages will evolve as new developments in Darfur come to light and in response to any changes in Australian government policy.