One year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for two war crimes suspects in Darfur, human rights organizations around the world are launching a “Justice for Darfur” campaign, calling for the two to be arrested.

The organizations behind the campaign, including Amnesty International, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Coalition for the International Criminal Court, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch and Sudan Organization Against Torture, have joined forces to call on the United Nations Security Council, regional organizations and individual governments to press Sudan to cooperate with the ICC.

The ICC has been investigating crimes in the region following a decision three years ago by the UN Security Council to refer to it the situation in Darfur. One year ago today – on April 27, 2007 – the ICC issued two arrest warrants against Sudan’s former State Minister of the Interior Ahmad Harun and Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb for 51 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Today the two men – who face charges of persecution, rape, and killing of civilians in four West Darfur villages – remain at large.

“The thousands of people who suffered murder, rape and persecution in Darfur deserve justice,”
said Dismas Nkunda, Co – Chair of the Darfur -Consortium, a group of African and Middle Eastern NGOs. “Instead, all they have had is disdain from their own government, and empty words from the international community. It is time for that to change.”

The Sudanese government has publicly and repeatedly refused to surrender either Ali Kushayb or Ahmad Harun to the Court. Instead, Ahmad Harun has been promoted to State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, responsible for the welfare of the very victims of his alleged crimes. As well as having considerable power over humanitarian operations, he is responsible for liaison with the international peacekeeping force (UNAMID) tasked with protecting civilians against such crimes. The other suspect, Ali Kushayb, was in custody in Sudan on other charges at the time the ICC warrants were issued, but in October the government announced he had been released, reportedly due to “lack of evidence.”

“The Sudanese government has shown blatant disregard both for the authority of the Security Council and for the victims of their brutality,” said Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. “So far, Sudan has faced no consequences for this brazen snubbing of the Court and the Council”.

The members of “Justice for Darfur” are urging the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling on Sudan to cooperate fully with the ICC and immediately arrest Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb and surrender them to the Court.

“Now is the time for the Security Council to act to ensure that the men are arrested and surrendered to the ICC without further delay, as a first step towards ending impunity for the vast scale of horrific crimes committed in Darfur,” said Christopher Hall, Senior Legal Adviser for Amnesty International’s International Justice Project.

The group also called on the European Union, a strong supporter of the Court and key player in bringing the Darfur crimes to the ICC Prosecutor, to press Sudan to cooperate with the ICC and comply with the warrants. They called on other states and regional organizations to do so too.

“Through the ‘Justice for Darfur’ campaign, organizations will work together to generate as much pressure as possible on the international community to follow through on its commitment to justice for the victims of these crimes,” said Moataz El Fegiery, Executive Director at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.

Editor’s Notes:

* The following organizations are part of the “Justice for Darfur” campaign:
* Action des chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture – France
* Aegis Trust
* Amnesty International
* Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession
* Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
* Bahrain Human Rights Society
* Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
* Center for Peace, Legal Advice and Psychosocial Assistance – Vukovar
* Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre – Nigeria
* Coalition for the International Criminal Court
* Collectif Urgence Darfour
* Darfur Consortium
* Darfur Union UK
* Fédération Internationale des ligues des Droits de l’Homme
* Human Rights First
* Human Rights Watch
* International Criminal Court Student Network UK
* Kalangala District NGO Forum
* Land Center for Human Rights
* League of Human Rights
* Prepared society Kenya
* Recherches et Documentation Juridiques Africaines
* Save Darfur Canada
* Society for Threatened Peoples International
* Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project
* Students Taking Action Now: Darfur – Canada
* Sudan organization against Torture
* UN Watch
* Waging Peace

For more information on the “Justice for Darfur” campaign, see: www.justice4darfur.org

Sudan’s allies from the African, Islamic groups and Non-Aligned blocs lined up to praise Khartoum, a position that was formalized in a consensus resolution welcoming the “collaboration of the government of Sudan.”

Gibreil Hamid, a survivor from Darfur, took the floor on behalf of UN Watch to confront the impunity granted to Sudan. See full video and text below.

UN Watch Takes on Sudan and its Allies

UN Human Rights Council, 7th Session

Interactive Dialogue with UN Special Rapporteur on Sudan

UN Watch Statement Delivered by Gibreil Hamid, March 17, 2008

Thank you, Mr. President.

I speak on behalf of UN Watch. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her excellent work for the victims of Darfur.

Mr. President, I am from Darfur, and I know the truth about what is happening there.

The truth can be found in today’s report.

The report shows how the Government of Sudan is violating human rights and international humanitarian law, with physical assaults, abductions and rape.

In October, Government forces attacked Muhajiriya. People praying in a mosque were rounded up, and forty-eight civilians were killed.

In November, Government planes dropped bombs on Habila. The attackers entered the villages, shooting, stealing animals and setting fire to houses.

On 2 December, in West Darfur, armed men attacked a group of ten women and girls. A sixteen-year-old girl from the group was gang raped, and at least three other women were whipped and beaten with axes. Police and soldiers refused to help.

Today’s report says that violence against women in Darfur is continuing. There is no improvement. There is no justice. The attackers enjoy immunity.

Mr. President, in the name of basic human rights, UN Watch urges Sudan to end these attacks against innocent civilians.

UN Watch asks this Council to please stop praising Sudan for its “cooperation.” Mr. President, attacking little girls is not “cooperation.”

We wish to ask the rapporteur: What further action is she planning to protect the victims of Darfur?

Thank you, Mr. President.

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In Praise of Sudan’s ‘Cooperation’

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“It is an honor to speak on behalf of the Arab Group and our country considers that reaching a peaceful solution in the south of Sudan has reached to the stability of the situation and Sudan is committed to this treatment, and it has taken the steps in order to achieve this peaceful solution.”

– Palestine on behalf of the Arab Group, March 17, 2008

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“Our delegation also appreciates the cooperation by Sudan with the former Commission on Human Rights and with the Human Rights Council. Sudan has thus recognized all the resolutions of the Commission and the Council.”

– Qatar, March 17, 2008

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“The African Group expresses its hope that this session of the Council will mark the continuation of the cooperative spirit, which has reigned so far in the Council on Sudan…”

– Egypt on behalf of the African Group, March 17, 2008

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“We believe that this is a reflection of the openness of the government of Sudan and its commitment to cooperate with this Council for the promotion and protection of human rights.”

– Egypt on behalf of the African Group, March 17, 2008

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“The African group expresses its appreciation to the government of Sudan for the efforts undertaken thus far in the implementation of peace agreements….”

– Egypt on behalf of the African Group, March 17, 2008

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“Indeed the Sudan government has always cultivated traditions of cooperation and openness with different mechanisms both with the UN and Africa.”

– African Union representative, March 17, 2008

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“We express our appreciation to the government of Sudan for the cooperation that it has extended….”

– Kenya, March 17, 2008

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“Sudan’s efforts are noteworthy and must be encouraged.” — Pakistan, March 17, 2008

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“Sudan has completely cooperated with the former Commission on Human Rights as well as the current Council with the fact that both the Council and the Commission have admitted that.”

– Palestine on behalf of the Arab Group, March 17, 2008

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“We appreciate the consistent efforts of the government of Sudan to remove obstacles to the implementation of all national, regional, and international agreements.” — Pakistan, March 17, 2008

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“The government of Sudan will also require international support and encouragement, which must be provided without political qualification.” — Pakistan, March 17, 2008

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“The Sudan has always cooperated with the Human Rights Council in order to implement its resolutions. President, we welcome Sudan’s cooperation with the Council…” — Syria, March 17, 2008

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“The Sudanese government is cooperating fully with all international, regional initiatives to put an end to the crisis…” — League of Arab States representative, March 17, 2008

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“Malaysia welcomes the progress achieved by the government of the Sudan in improving the legislation, mechanism, and rule of law in the country…” — Malaysia, March 17, 2008

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“We praise the positive steps taken by and taken in the past and which continue to be taken by the government of Sudan to deal with the situation in Darfur…” — Saudi Arabia, March 17, 2008

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“The report of the Special Rapporteur reflects the cooperation of the Sudan government and the progress made in improving the situation in that region by the attempt of the Sudanese government to lift all the obstacles to carrying out all the provisions of regional and international agreements.” — Saudi Arabia, March 17, 2008

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“We also recognize the determination of the Sudanese government to try and solve the complex situation effecting Darfur. Cuba welcomes the manifest cooperation of the Sudanese authorities with the work of this Council and its decisions.” — Cuba, March 17, 2008

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“Thanks to the considerable efforts of the UN, the African Union, the Sudanese government and other interested parties we have seen positive developments in the search for a solution to the Darfur issue.” — China, March 17, 2008

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“We are confident that the government of Sudan will continue its cooperation with the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights…” — Indonesia, March 17, 2008

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“Sudan has fully cooperated with the UN peacekeeping forces. This has shown the good intentions of the Sudanese government’s determination to restore peace and security.” — United Arab Emirates, March 17, 2008

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“The Sudanese government has demonstrated its determination to positively work toward satisfactory solutions…” — Jordan, March 17, 2008

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“We are satisfied to note the high level of cooperation between the Sudanese government and the Special Rapporteur, and the willingness of the government to pursue a dialogue…” — Russian Federation, March 17, 2008

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“My country’s delegation praises the efforts of the Sudanese government to improve the human rights situation…” — Bahrain, March 17, 2008

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“The government of Sudan is cooperating positively…” — Bahrain, March 17, 2008

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“We appreciate the cooperation of the government of Sudan to facilitate the work of the Special Rapporteur and to follow closely matters in the field.” — Yemen, March 17, 2008

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“We are particularly heartened by the openness and the cooperative spirit with which the government of Sudan has welcomed the SR and facilitated her mission.” — Djibouti, March 17, 2008

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“The delegation also notes the cooperation afforded to the Special Rapporteur by the government of Sudan, which is reflective of an attempt to unravel the complex situation and resolve it.” — Zimbabwe, March 17, 2008

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“The EU will join the consensus on this resolution and wishes to express our appreciation to the government of Sudan and its ambassador and the African Group for their constructive engagement during the course of these negotiations.” — Slovenia on behalf of the European Union, March 27, 2008

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“We particularly welcome the cooperation extended by the government of the Sudan to the Special Rapporteur as well as to the group of experts on Darfur. We also appreciate the government of Sudan’s willingness to remain engaged with the international community.” — Pakistan on behalf of the Islamic Group, March 27, 2008

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“There has been an acknowledgment of the improvements of the situation of human rights in Darfur and of the steps taken by the government of the Sudan…” — Sudan, March 27, 2008

Yassin, a genial 30-year-old former architect, is now director of Bnei Darfur [Sons of Darfur], an organization which assists Sudanese refugees to integrate into Israeli society, and which last week was finally granted non-profit status by the Israeli government. Sitting in his office in downtown Tel Aviv, Yassin painted a harrowing picture of the way in which Darfurian refugees are mistreated by the uncaring and unsympathetic authorities in Egypt, which is the first port of call of many fleeing the violence in Sudan.

Darfuri children are scared to set foot outside in Egypt for fear of attack, Yassin said, citing the slaying of dozens of refugees after a protest outside the UNHCR headquarters in 2005. “It’s not that Egypt doesn’t look after refugees in general,” he said, “after all, they treat the Somalians very well. However, when it comes to us, they are different. It’s racism [that motivates the Egyptian mistreatment].”

It doesn’t help that the Darfurians are accusing fellow Muslims of genocide, said Yassin, noting that the Muslim states who support the Sudanese government in turn claim that the refugees are collaborating with enemy states in the West. “All of the Arab countries support the government of Sudan – our problem is with the Arab League,” Yassin stated with a shake of his head at his people’s plight. Having watched most of his family slaughtered in a militia attack on his village, he fled the region hoping to find shelter in Egypt, but was soon forced to move on.

After the cold and often violent reception the refugees received at the hands of the Egyptians, Yassin decided that things couldn’t be worse on the Israeli side of the border – despite the anti-Israeli indoctrination he’d been spoon-fed when growing up in Sudan. “The government controlled all of the media back home,” he said. “The television stations, the radio, the newspapers… and all of them were very hostile towards Israel. They described it as an enemy state full of killers, and the cause of all of the world’s problems.”

He smiled at the irony of Israel turning out to be the first country where he and his fellow refugees could finally find sanctuary – although it was hardly plain sailing at first. “When the army picked me up, I spent five days on their base in a tiny room with five Egyptian men. The conditions were awful, and one of the judges was very cruel, threatening to deport me back to Egypt. She told me that I was I wasn’t welcome in Israel because I was from an ‘enemy country’ – but in the end I was transferred to a larger prison in the south.”

He spent 14 months in jail, where he banded together with other Darfurian refugees and founded an informal support group to assist one another, teaching English, Arabic and Hebrew to those who required educating. After a few months, the Israeli press started picking up the story of the refugee crisis, and soon several NGOs and welfare organizations began campaigning for their release. The UN got involved, and eventually many of the refugees were let out of jail and sent to work on local kibbutzim.

However, once free they faced large-scale exploitation by employers who took advantage of their lack of proper permits and rights, forcing them to work for a pittance and in dreadful conditions. Again, intervention from the UN and local NGOs caused a change of heart on the part of the government, who granted 600 of the 750 refugees with ‘A5′ temporary residency status, with the remainder receiving protection as asylum seekers.

And the rest is recent history. Yassin and his friends formed Bnei Darfur, and have been stunningly successful in their mission to create a self-sufficient community “that isn’t a drain on Israeli society”. Every one of the refugees has a job, a house, and access to medical care – “the only ones without jobs are the ones who’ve just arrived, and we soon take care of them”, he said. The children have been found places at Israeli schools, where they learn Hebrew and befriend their locally-born peers, and the future appears bright for those who have managed to make it into Israel.

Many Israelis took up the Darfurians’ cause on the basis that Jews have been denied refugeby indifferent countries throughout history, and that Israeli Jews should remember their own troubled past when dealing with the victims of today. However, whilst the way in which Israel (eventually) received the refugees is to be admired, there is of course the accusation of double standards to be dealt with regarding Palestinian refugees being denied the chance to relocate to the Promised Land.

But the unresolved issue of the Palestinian right of return is not something Yassin wished to be drawn on. As far as he’s concerned, Israel has provided for his people in a way that no Arab country would – and for that he’s eternally grateful. And in terms of Israel’s image in the eyes of the refugees as well as the outside world, accepting the unwanted Darfurians was both an astute and an admirable move to make.

The UN said raids by aircraft and ground forces on three towns in February left at least 115 people dead.

A Sudanese military spokesman said the army was doing its job of protecting civilians by forcing rebels out.

The United Nations says more than 200,000 people have died in Darfur since rebels took up arms in 2003.

Two million people have been displaced and now live in camps.

Brig Gen Osman Mohamed al-Aghbash blamed rebels in Darfur for attacks on civilians in the area and the looting of their property.

“The army, discharging its duty… regarding the prevalence of security and protection of civilian lives, would go after rebels and bandit groups all over the country,” he is quoted as saying by Sudan’s official news agency Suna.

More than 30,000 people fled the attacks on the towns of Sirba, Sileia and Abu Suruj, said the report, issued on Thursday by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (Unamid).

The report said the large scale of destruction suggested the damage was done deliberately as part of a military strategy.

It quotes witness reports of government-backed militiamen on camels and horseback setting houses on fire, shooting at residents and looting.

It also says witnesses saw members of the Sudanese armed forces joining in the attacks, raping girls and taking part in looting.

The report describes the “major military campaign” as an attempt by the government to regain control of the northern corridor of West Darfur, and to drive out the Justice and Equality Movement rebel group.