WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (OneWorld.net) – An investment of more resources would empower the international peacekeeping force in Darfur to fully protect and aid war-weary civilians, said 22 humanitarian and human rights organizations last week, noting that the peace mission has already shown its potential at a few key moments this year.
The African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which began as a peacekeeping force two years ago, suffers from “a lack of strong leadership and training, a shortage of critical resources, and an obstructionist Sudanese government which has rarely been confronted,” said a statement signed by the advocacy groups, including Africa Action, Amnesty International, Human Rights First, and Investors Against Genocide.
The groups are calling on the international community to fulfill their pledges of support for the peacekeeping force and to press the Sudanese government to cooperate with aid and peacekeeping efforts. UNAMID is struggling to tackle an ever-growing list of problems in Darfur amid a chronic shortage of resources, they said.
UNAMID’s ability to keep the peace has become apparent over the last six months. The peacekeeping force was vital in protecting civilians during violence that broke out in south Darfur in January and February. UNAMID also played a large role in filling the aid gap following the Sudanese government’s expulsion of humanitarian organizations from the country in early March. These exceptional instances can and should become the norm, the coalition of humanitarian groups said.
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