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INTRODUCTION TO THE DARFUR CRISIS

Overview of the conflict

In 2003, rebel groups in Darfur declared their existence and carried out their first attacks on the Sudanese army.  In response, the Sudanese government organized a brutal campaign of violence in Darfur using planes, government troops, and a proxy militia called the Janjaweed.  Over 2,000 villages have been completely destroyed and countless thousands of civilians have been killed.  More than a third of the population of Darfur has been displaced.

* Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily represent the positions of The Darfur/Sudan Peace Network or of our member organizations

More than 6 years in, the conflict rages on.  In 2008, the United Nations reported that an average of 1,000 people per day were displaced by violence.  The levels of violence and displacement are not nearly as high as in the initial Sudanese government offensives of 2003-2004, however the fighting continues. There is still an urgent need to get the peacekeepers the equipment they need, to continue humanitarian support, and most important of all, to support the peace process and other ongoing diplomatic efforts. The Darfur crisis has also become a regional security concern.   The Sudanese government continues to arm the Janjaweed militia, while certain regional actors are presumed to be supporting the rebels.   The Darfur conflict also threatens the fragile peace that North and South Sudan negotiated after 17 years of civil war.

The humanitarian crisis and challenges for relief groups

The United Nations considers Darfur the ‘worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.’ Violence in the region has displaced 3.5 million people, and an estimated 300,000 people have died. Many Darfurians live in camps for displaced people, run by international relief groups. Canadian and international organizations are providing essential services and resources in Sudan and Chad.

Ongoing insecurity makes delivering humanitarian supplies and goods challenging and sometimes impossible. As many as one in six humanitarian convoys are hijacked before reaching their destinations, and relief agencies have been forced to retreat from many areas. Currently, 300,000-500,000 people who require essential relief cannot be reached.

Concerns of Darfuri women and children

Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the devastating consequences of Darfur’s crisis.

Women and young girls are targeted for sexual violence in attacks, and when venturing out of displaced persons camps for firewood or supplies. Armed groups commonly use rape as a tool of war, targeting women and girls as young as 8 years old. There is no legal recourse for those facing sexual violence, and few resources to help them cope with physical and emotional wounds.

Darfur’s youngest generation is growing up in conflict, and the impact this will have on their futures is considerable. Facing insecurity and displacement, they are less likely to attend school and more likely to be recruited by armed groups. They are particularly susceptible to acute malnutrition and poor health.

International Attention to Darfur There has been a great deal of international attention to Darfur, and a large scale humanitarian response. However, efforts to stop the violence and to protect civilians have been very slow and are still of very limited effectiveness. Darfurians have been repeatedly disappointed that peacekeepers so far do not have the numbers, equipment, or freedom or movement needed to be more effective in protecting civilians. The United Nations Security Council finally authorized a peacekeeping mission of 19,555 personnel (including military, police and civilian personnel) in July 2007. However, only 13,134 personnel (67%) were deployed by March 31st, 2009. The deployment continues to proceed very slowly due to obstruction by the Sudanese government, logistical challenges, and a lack of support from the international community.

* Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily represent the positions of The Darfur/Sudan Peace Network or of our member organizations

While the peacekeeping mission is extremely important, much more will be needed to build peace in Darfur. The peace process and related diplomatic work are critically important. Here too, the international community has an important role to play.

What can Canada do?

Canada has been relatively active in financing relief, peacekeeping and peace process activities in and around Darfur. However, much more support is needed, particularly for the peacekeepers in Darfur. Also, we have yet to use our diplomatic potential as a respected middle power to push for an end to the crisis.

What can I do?

Through our campaigns, over 45,000 messages have been sent to Canadian politicians. Our momentum is growing, thanks to people like you. Please join us in calling for action from the Prime Minister and from your local Member of Parliament. Or, make a donation to The Darfur/Sudan Peace Network to support our efforts to end the crisis.

Send a message to decision-makers, sign a postcard, or join our network and get monthly updates. You can take these important steps as an individual or contact info@darfur.peacenetwork.ca about ways to involve your school, community group, or place of worship.