NGO Statement on Darfur

The following organisations:

Aegis Trust

American Jewish World Service

Armenian National Committee of America

Collectif Urgence Darfour France

Comité Soudan

Darfur Relief and Documentation Centre

Human Rights Watch

International Crisis Group

JP Diplomatic Consultancy

Liberal International

MedBridge Stategy Center

Minority Rights Group International

National Association of Seadogs International

Never Again International

One World Trust

Save Darfur Coalition

Society for Threatened Peoples International (Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker International)



· Commend and thank the African Union for the work it has done in Darfur.

· Welcome the African Unions Peace and Security Council communiqué of the 10th of March 2006 where it reiterated its support for transfer of its operations in Darfur to the United Nations.

· Hold the view that the donor community could do more in supporting the African Union Mission in Darfur with the required financial and logistical support.

· Maintain that the African Union is a vital institution in the furtherance of peace and stability in Africa.

· Note that over 200,000 people have died due to the conflict in Darfur.

· Condemn the targeting of civilians and the acts of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

· Are alarmed that the humanitarian situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate with over 3 million people reliant on humanitarian aid.

· Denounce the banditry, insecurity and violence that continue to dramatically hinder aid operations.

· Are anxious that hundreds of thousands of civilians cannot be accessed by humanitarian agencies due to the increased insecurity.

· Is concerned that the World Food Programme, due to donor under-funding, has had to cut its rationing levels to semi-starvation levels.

· Is anxious that this humanitarian crisis could deteriorate to such an extent that monthly deaths could rise into tens of thousands a month.



Call for:



· The African Union to undertake the proposed transfer of operations from the AU to the UN no later than the 1st of October 2006.

· The African Union to actively call upon its composite members to increase troop contributions for the AMIS force in Darfur.

· The African Union to assist in the protection of humanitarian convoys on the ground and urge the government of Sudan to guarantee free and unfettered access for humanitarian aid agencies.

· The donor community to immediately meet the financial needs of an increased contribution of troops to the AMIS mission.

· That the donor community should review in consultations with the African Union its mechanisms for supporting future African Union missions.

Poppy Sebag-Montefiore, Chair, Never Again International, said:
"Youth from around the world have been horrified to stand by while a crisis ensues in Darfur. African Union troops have worked hard to protect civilians in Darfur and it is time now for leaders from every country to protect people."