 
Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin
Concerns related to the situation in Darfur,
Sudan:
Sudan Inter-Agency Reference Group
6 June 2005
To: Prime Minister Paul Martin
Re: Concerns related to the situation in Darfur, Sudan: Sudan
Inter-Agency Reference Group
6 June 2005
Right Honourable Paul Martin
Prime Minister of Canada
Re: Sudan Strategy
Dear Mr. Martin:
Members of the Sudan Inter-Agency Reference Group appreciate the
increased attention by the Canadian government to the situation
in Darfur, Sudan, including your personal leadership in this matter.
We also appreciate the continued commitment to a “whole-of-Sudan”
approach and an integrated response by Canada.
As Canada’s strategy for Sudan takes shape, we would like
to bring to your attention and to the attention of the Sudan taskforce
the following areas for consideration and further discussion:
1. Early and full deployment of African Union mission
We appreciate Canada’s commitment to provide support for
the African Union mission in Sudan. Concern has been expressed about
the slow pace of deployment, which impacts its ability to be effective.
We would encourage Canada to use its influence to press for early
and full deployment of the mission to fulfill its mandate to the
best of its ability. Canada could also provide leadership in international
diplomacy to strengthen the mandate to better protect civilians
in Darfur.
2. Access for Humanitarian Agencies and Media
Humanitarian agencies continue to experience serious constraints
on their ability to respond to emergency needs in all areas of Sudan.
Many visas will expire in the next few weeks, with heightened concern
about renewals. In addition, visas are routinely denied to media
personnel in an attempt to control reporting on the actual circumstances
of people in various parts of Sudan.
We encourage Canada to show leadership by continuing to publicly
press for full compliance with international humanitarian law and
refusing to be intimidated by statements from any of the parties
to the conflict. Full, public accountability is essential as a deterrent
of human rights violations.
3. Timely implementation of North-South Peace Agreement
We appreciate the role Canada played in support of the IGAD peace
process. Concern is being expressed in south Sudan about delays
in implementation of components of the peace agreement. In particular,
there is concern about delays in the agreed timetable for demobilization,
with specific attention to the need for early assistance in an effective
program for the demobilization and reintegration of youth involved
with fighting forces.
While there is appreciation for the significant amount of money
allocated by donor agencies to support peace consolidation, it is
essential that these funds reach the communities in need in a timely
and efficient manner, with a focus on re-building the capacity of
local communities and regional structures in south Sudan to make
the transition from conflict to development.
4. Return home of displaced Darfur residents
We appreciate the focus on increased security in the camps for
displaced persons. At the same time, attention must be paid to planning
and implementing a strategy for the return of the displaced persons
to their homes in security as soon as possible. Accounts suggest
that in some places there is security, but people are still being
detained in camps rather than being facilitated to return home with
security. Fear of forced relocation and resources for resettlement
are other issues for displaced persons. There is good reason to
be concerned about the impact of long-term displacement and take
concrete steps to avoid it.
5. Effective Implementation of targeted Security Council measures
Canada has showed leadership in the past to achieve effective enforcement
of targeted Security Council measures such as travel bans, freezing
of assets, and arms embargoes.
Concern is expressed about the slow pace and limited scope of current
efforts to enforce measures adopted by the Security Council to encourage
all parties to end this conflict.
We would encourage Canada to use its influence within the United
Nations to press for robust enforcement of Security Council measures
by an enforcement committee with the skills and resources to be
effective. Canada could also use diplomacy with other countries
to encourage cooperation with these measures and public accountability
for anyone who violates them.
6. Persistence in political peace process
Resumption of the talks to resolve the conflict in Darfur is good
news. We encourage Canada to actively support a political resolution
to the conflict and build international pressure on all parties
to sustain negotiations and not wait for changes in the governance
of Sudan to improve their bargaining position.
7. Progress on human rights
The Security Council referral to the International Criminal Court
is a positive step, along with increased human rights monitoring
by the Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights. We encourage
the government of Canada to do what it can to assist in finding
skilled personnel and resources to effectively implement both the
ICC referral and on-going monitoring and reporting activities, including
the recruitment and secondment of Canadians with the required training
and experience.
In addition, Canada can play a role in encouraging the Government
of Sudan to fully cooperate with the ICC investigation.
We hope that you will consider these policy options, in addition
to financial assistance, as part of a comprehensive Canadian strategy
for Sudan. Members of the Sudan Inter-Agency Reference Group work
with various partners in Sudan in pursuit of peace, human rights,
and development. We would welcome an opportunity for further discussion
of effective strategies by both governments and civil society actors.
For further information, please contact Kathy Vandergrift,
Convenor of the Sudan Inter-agency Reference Group, at 613-569-1113.
Signatory organizations
Amnesty International: English-Speaking Section
CAMEO Mine Clearance
Canadian Friends of Sudan
CARE Canada
Canadians Against Slavery and Torture in Sudan
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
Executive Committee of the Canadian Peacebuilding Coordinating Committee
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Partnership Africa Canada
United Church of Canada
World Federalists of Canada
World Vision Canada
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