FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jonathan Hutson, [email protected] Mobile: +1-202-386-1618
Ann Brown for GI-NET/SDC, abrown@annbrowncommunications.
WASHINGTON – Unless the United States approach toward Sudan changes on multiple fronts, increasing violence in Sudan will become an international conflict that could threaten the wider stability of the region and will continue to cause new levels of human suffering, said a group of anti-genocide and human rights organizations.
In their latest joint report, “Peace in Both Sudans,” the Sudan Now campaign lays out the conditions that must exist for lasting peace in both Sudans and what the U.S. government must do to help achieve that peace, including a willingness to impose consequences on actors who undermine peace by committing war crimes, breaking agreements, and promoting violence.
“The imposition of escalating consequences is a complement to diplomacy, not a substitute for it,” said Enough Project Executive Director John C. Bradshaw. "By pressing for accountability for war criminals and using economic pressures to target spoilers, the United States can hamper warmongers and help encourage Sudanese leaders to pursue peace.”
Recent attacks by the Government of Sudan in Abyei and the Nuba Mountains have displaced more than 100,000. In Darfur, attacks on civilians and aerial bombardments continue.
“The U.S. advocacy community must work harder than ever to ensure our elected officials do not de-prioritize the people of Sudan during this critical time, when peace for Darfur remains elusive, border violence is driving people from their homes, and the new Republic of South Sudan faces myriad security and development issues that make it a potential tinder box for civilian violence,” stated Mark Hanis, Co-Founder, Genocide Intervention Network / Save Darfur Coalition.
“Khartoum’s recent attacks in Abyei, South Kordofan and Darfur bring home the need for the U.S. to pursue an all-Sudan policy,” said Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service. “The United States must use its leverage to ensure there will be consequences for violence and aggression. This paper presents a clear vision for peace and it is my sincere hope that our government will move forward to realize this vision.”
Read the full report: “Peace in both Sudans”
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Sudan Now is a campaign led by a group of anti-genocide and human rights advocacy organizations committed to bringing meaningful and lasting peace to Sudan and encouraging strong American leadership and action to achieve this goal. The campaign challenges President Obama, top U.S. administration officials, and the international community to live up to their promises to take strong and immediate action to help end the international crisis in Sudan and bring a lasting peace to Sudan’s people. Organizations participating in the campaign include Humanity United, the Enough Project at the Center for American Progress, Genocide Intervention Network/Save Darfur Coalition, Stop Genocide Now, Investors Against Genocide, and American Jewish World Service. For more information, please visit www.sudanactionnow.org