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Darfur can't wait: U.S. aid needed now

As the genocide in Darfur enters its sixth year, the Sudanese government has recently reinvigorated its campaign of rape, murder and displacement of civilians. The newly deployed United Nations–African Union peacekeeping mission struggles to provide protection in the face of continued obstruction by the Sudanese government and a lack of contributions from the international community. Approximately 75,000 people have been newly displaced since the beginning of 2008 and the increase in violence is impeding the ability of humanitarian workers to come to their aid.

In response to the ongoing suffering of the Darfuri people, the very least our Congress can do is provide the funding needed for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.

The upcoming emergency supplemental bill is the only opportunity for Congress to provide critical financial assistance to the Darfuri people this year. Please e-mail the letter below to your legislators—demand that the U.S. plays its part by fully funding these urgent needs.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am deeply concerned about the continued suffering of the Darfuri people. The Sudanese government has reinvigorated its campaign to terrorize, kill and displace civilians, perpetuating an increasingly deadly cycle in the ongoing genocide.

As you begin to work on the Fiscal Year 2008 emergency supplemental spending bill, I urge you to demonstrate, once again, your commitment to peace in Sudan by appropriating the funding required for sufficient humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and U.S. diplomatic efforts.

At least 4.2 million people--more than half of Darfur's population--rely on international aid for survival. An additional $335 million is required in FY08 in the International Disaster Assistance (IDA) account to provide much needed emergency assistance in Darfur, Chad and other communities throughout the world. This funding is used to support refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, and to support the implementation of fragile peace agreements. An additional $345 million in the Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account is critical to ensure that refugees and IDPs receive basic life-saving assistance in Darfur and to prevent drastic cuts in basic assistance to refugees. Since the President's amended supplemental request in October 2007, commodity prices have increased by 41 percent as a result of record-low food stocks and poor harvest. To meet emergency needs for the remainder of FY08 no less than an additional $400 million must be appropriated for emergency food aid and another $200 million is required to provide the same level of commodities anticipated in the Administration's FY08 request.

Continued U.S. support for the U.N.-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is critical to ensuring the protection of innocent civilians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian relief. Please appropriate no less than the Administration's pending request of $334 million for UNAMID in the Contributions to International Peacekeeping Account (CIPA) to meet the U.S. share of the anticipated cost of the mission during FY08. An additional $50 million is needed in the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) account to help transition African Union troops and new battalions to UNAMID and to fund equipment upgrades during the year. Also, $15 million is required in the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) account to provide training and equipment to police units that will function as rapid response teams and coordinate firewood patrols around IDP camps.

While humanitarian aid and peacekeepers are crucial for addressing the suffering of the civilian population, a long-term solution to the crisis requires increased diplomatic efforts by the U.S. government. The Administration's request for an additional $70 million for the Economic Support Fund (ESF) is required to help ensure full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan. This funding is needed to implement critical pieces of the agreement, specifically to help carry out the national census in preparation for upcoming elections. An additional $1 million for Diplomatic and Consular programs is required to support the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, including his efforts to help broker a political resolution to the crisis in Darfur.

Finally, $2.366 million must be appropriated to the Office of Foreign Assets Control to enhance the ability of the U.S. to exert economic pressure and legal penalties on violators of U.S. sanctions against the Sudanese regime. These sanctions are meaningless if there are not fully implemented and rigorously monitored.

I urge you to fund these accounts at the levels outlined above. This is what is required to provide sufficient resources for humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts.

The people of Darfur are depending on us.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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