Sample Letter
Dear [ Member of Congress / President Bush / Secretary Rice
]:
I am writing out of concern for the people of Darfur and South
Sudan. The continuing ethnic and political conflict in Darfur
has claimed hundreds of thousands of civilian lives and millions
have been displaced. As the violence continues, the people of
Darfur are crying out for justice.
It has been more than three years since the signing of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by the Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement (SPLM) and the Sudanese government, ending one of Africa’s
deadliest and longest running civil wars. The situation in the
South is still extremely fragile and must be monitored. Many
longing to return home are unable due to the lack of resources
and opportunities.
It is important to look at Sudan as a whole and understand
that the conflicts in Darfur and in the South are connected
and have a common origin. The U.S. government can respond to
the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and safeguard the CPA in southern
Sudan if it acts in the following ways:
- Increase Diplomatic Support for CPA Implementation
- U.S. engagement is needed to hold the NCP (National
Congress Party) and the SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement) accountable in their respective roles for implementation
of the CPA, and to resolve issues related to oil revenue
sharing, and North-South boundary determination.
- Increased U.S. diplomatic support is needed to support
the peace talks between the LRA and Ugandan officials
in Juba, as the resumption of violence from this conflict
is a strong threat to the success of the CPA.
- Increase Funding for Urgent Recovery Programs so Refugees
Can Return Home
- Refugees in the South want to return to their homes,
but they need access to clean water, schools, healthcare,
and sanitation. More funds are needed for basic services
and infrastructure.
- Improvements are needed in the way the World Bank-managed
Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) disburses money for recovery
assistance – the fund has thus far disbursed only $80
million of the $500 million promised.
- Build Coalitions
- The US can be most effective acting as part of a strong
coalition of countries working to bring an end to the
conflict in Darfur. Such a coalition can put pressure
on the Government of Sudan, work to bring rebel groups
to the negotiating table, and influence other parties
(such as China) with strong interests in Sudan.
- Support AU / UN Policing to Protect Refugees and Aid
Workers
- The U.S. must support AU/UN (African Union/United Nations)
efforts to protect internally displaced persons in the
refugee camps, as well as aid workers, by peaceful means.
This should include sufficient financial support, technical
support, personnel, and monitoring for activities under
a UN Chapter VI mandate (i.e., in a protection role).
I pray that justice and peace will soon come to those who suffer
in Sudan.
Sincerely,
