NGO Joint Gender-Focus Statement to Special Session of UN Human Rights Council on Darfur, Sudan

SPECIAL SESSION OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON DARFUR

DECEMBER 13, 2006

JOINT STATEMENT

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is a joint statement on behalf of a group of women’s organizations listed here under.

This is the most appropriate opportunity for the Council to focus on an action plan for Darfur and Sudan. In this process, the organizations mentioned above underline that the international community should implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Any new action plan or mandate must place women in the center stage of implementation. It is vital that women’s organizations from Darfur are involved with the international community and participate since they have profound knowledge of the dynamics of the on-the-ground situation.

The horrific pattern of sexual and other violence against women that has emerged from Darfur is by no means unique. But the scale in which the crimes have occurred is astronomical. Hundreds of thousands of women are affected by conflict all around the world. Never before in the history of conflict have we listed, noted, registered, and measured mass rapes of women and girls on such a large scale as Darfur.

The Government of Sudan has the primary responsibility in addressing the human rights situation in Darfur and bringing to justice those responsible for violations of human rights. We invite members of the Sudanese government (to meet with our representatives when and where convenient) to discuss what they feel can be done when they return to their country.

All reports of human rights violations should be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice without undue delay. An effective action plan to protect children and women of all ages, and eliminate gender-based violence in Darfur should be implemented immediately and perpetrators of these human rights violations including gender-based violence and torture be brought to justice. Effective medical and psychological remedies must be in place and provided to all.

It need not be reiterated that the elimination of violence against women and children is well defined by international humanitarian law and regional treaties and is forbidden at all times. Even during armed conflict, it is the responsibility of the governments to protect women and girls of all ages.

We do not need to repeat what has been well documented by different known governmental organizations. Today, we are here to be the voice for all women have suffered and are suffering and are traumatized by the continuing grave situation in Sudan. We believe concrete actions need to be urgently taken for the human security of all women and children whose families have been the victims of the conflict.

There are so many humanitarian issues which are the causes and consequences of conflicts. Thousands of lives are disrupted and displaced. Both mental and physical challenges, as well as post-traumatic stress disorders, result from conflicts of long duration.

Urgent financial resources need to be made available to provide protection for entire communities, families and women and children in Darfur. No longer, Mr. President, are words enough. The international community cannot afford to let this conflict continue to the detriment of huge populations.

In the words of an African proverb:

“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.”

Speaker: Afton Beutler

Worldwide Organization for Women

World Movement of Mothers

Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women’s Association International

International Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology

Women’s World Summit Foundation WWSF

Association of World Citizens

Internal Federation of University Women

National Council of Jewish Women

Femmes Africa Solidarité