Washington, DC - Sudan Special Envoy General Scott Gration's testimony today continues to hail an inclusive approach for peace in all of Sudan, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure all parties maintain their commitments, said Refugees International. Tribal violence throughout southern Sudan is a worrying sign and the government of southern Sudan must be strengthened to adequately provide for its people. Refugees International urges the U.S. and its allies to support the Government of Southern Sudan as it attempts to professionalize its police force and provide for its citizens.

"Refugees International welcomes General Gration's support for full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement as there cannot be peace in Darfur if south Sudan returns to war," said RI Advocate Melanie Teff. "The U.S. has been successfully facilitating dialogue between all parties in Darfur and southern Sudan, but it is important to stay vigilant to ensure that all sides continue to abide by their agreements."

Increasing the capacity of the Government of Southern Sudan should be one of the US administration's main tasks. As millions of southern Sudanese return to their homes, the international community and the Government of southern Sudan must prioritize their security and well-being. Funding is needed for basic social services, job creation and expanded agricultural opportunities. In addition, Refugees International applauded General Gration's successful negotiations for increased humanitarian access in Darfur as a first step towards filling the gaps in aid delivery that were exacerbated by the recent expulsions of humanitarian agencies.

Refugees International also expressed concern about suggestions that the UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur, UNAMID, mandate be strengthened while it is still not at full capacity and is struggling to provide protection for millions of displaced people.

"Any future discussion to change the configuration of forces or the UNAMID mandate needs to follow very careful consideration of the conditions on the ground," said Peacekeeping Advocate Erin Weir. "This discussion needs to reflect the actual resources that the US and other member states are willing to contribute to the UN missions in order to fulfill new or expanded expectations."

The north-south war left 2 million people dead and 4 million people displaced. The CPA was signed in 2005 between the Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan, bringing peace after 22 years of war. However, major delays in implementing the terms of the agreement include demarcating borders for the three transitional areas and disagreements over wealth-sharing of oil and other natural resources.

Refugees International is a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates to end refugee crises. In February 2009 the organization traveled to southern Sudan to assess the humanitarian situation inside the country. For more information, go to http://www.refugeesinternational.org.

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Contact: Vanessa Parra, 202-904-0319;
vanessa@refugeesinternational.org