Ending the Violence Against Women in Sudan

U.S. to Serve over Presidency of UN Security Council

Africa Action urges President Obama to assert leadership to end the violence against women in Sudan

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 (Washington, DC) – In September, the U.S. is set to assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This comes on the heels of a trip by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to seven African nations when she signaled a U.S. commitment to strengthening women's rights in Africa.

Africa Action urges the Obama administration to unveil a new comprehensive Sudan policy, coordinated with the international community, which includes the protection of women as a fundamental pillar and ensures their participation in on-going and future peace negotiations.

Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said this morning, “In any conflict around the world, women are usually the disproportionate victims and rarely are afforded justice.” He adds, “President Obama should seize the moment as President of the UNSC, build upon what the UNAMID is doing effectively and enable it to fulfill its mandate.”

Last month, the African Union/United Nations Hybrid peacekeeping operation in Darfur (UNAMID) Gender Advisory Unit worked to reopen women's centers in Abu Shouk camp after the government previously closed it. Women will be able to learn job skills, take adult literacy classes, participate in educational programs on reproductive health, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Today the authorized strength of UNAMID is19,555 personnel, however, there are currently less than 14,000 troops according to its website. This shortfall is coupled with limited financial and logistical support. The U.S. can support women’s rights by increasing funding for the Gender Advisory Unit and support more female peacekeepers to be trained and deployed. This would enable UNAMID to better respond to gender-based violence and counsel victims.

“As President of the UNSC, President Obama should support on-going UN efforts to address peace and security in the region of Sudan,” said Michael Stulman, Associate Director for Policy and Communications at Africa Action. “Rape in Sudan has been a systematic campaign of violence that terrorizes women. It has left women with physical and psychological wounds. Millions of Darfuris are still affected by ongoing violence. Greater efforts must be made so that women’s organizations based in the region can participate in their own government processes,” added Stulman.

For more information and analysis, see:
Action Steps for the Health and Rights of Women and Youth: Alleviating Poverty and Promoting Human Security and Stability
Africa Action Talking Points on Darfur
Poster: Keep the Promise
Video: Darfur: We Won’t Get Fooled Again

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