TUE 15 SEPT - Deploying a civilian protection mission offers the most direct path to protecting civilians and stemming atrocities in Sudan, according to a paper published Tuesday.
Following repeated diplomatic breakdowns that have left the conflict without resolution, Sudanese civilians have faced relentless violence, displacement, disease, and starvation since war broke out in April 2023.
A new analysis from Avaaz and Confluence Advisory calls on the Atrocity Prevention Coalition to move beyond statements and into concrete action to protect civilians. It lays out the practical steps governments could take for a mission to be deployed.
Drawing on interviews with atrocity-prevention experts and policymakers, it details the obstacles that have prevented a force from being established already, and provides solutions which navigate political, legal and financial barriers.
Key recommendations in the paper include:
Physical protection missions save lives. Data from the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) which ended in 2020, shows that people were – and felt – safer, and humanitarian access was better. Once UNAMID was drawn down, the level of violence increased sharply - even when there was a peace agreement.
Bieta Andemariam, Legal Director at Avaaz and the report's co-author, said: “UNAMID was not without its flaws, but it led to a demonstrable increase in safety for civilians: existing analysis indicated a 40% reduction in security incidents in urban centers, safe delivery of humanitarian aid to 60% of targeted areas, and repatriation of over 50% of displaced persons.
"Even with a gridlocked Security Council, the African Union can step in to establish a deployment of forces from African member states and show that there can be effective African solutions to African problems. Gridlock is due to politics and political will, not immutable forces."
The paper also addresses one of the main arguments against deployment: that there is currently “no peace to keep”. It points to previous protection missions deployed during active conflicts and argues civilians are most in need of protection while conflict is continuing, and that waiting for a ceasefire before pursuing physical protection risks leaving civilians exposed indefinitely. It says an effective mission could deter attacks, protect civilians and aid workers, and help secure humanitarian access and civilian infrastructure.
Alongside international protection, the analysis also calls for significantly greater support to Sudanese groups already protecting civilians through early-warning systems, evacuations, temporary truces and negotiated humanitarian access.
Meanwhile last week, the UN Security Council voted to extend negotiations by a month on a US proposal to expand the existing Darfur arms embargo across the country after failing to reach an agreement.
The rollover leaves Sudanese civilians facing another month of atrocities while Security Council members remain divided over stronger action.
Bieta Andemariam added: “For Sudanese civilians, there is nothing technical about another month of atrocities while the Security Council stalls.
"The Council should use this month to choke off the weapons the UAE, Turkey and other external backers are supplying to fuel this war. But sanctions alone cannot stand between civilians and the forces attacking, killing and raping them. A protection force on the ground can.”
The weekly dispatch from Avaaz features the latest developments, first-hand testimony, footage, photos, stats and analysis on Sudan. We can connect you with voices from the ground, experts, and survivors of the war. Get in touch on +44 7514 796 678 or sudan@avaaz.org.
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Deploying a civilian protection mission offers the most direct path to protecting civilians and stemming atrocities in Sudan, according to a paper published Tuesday.
More than 21,000 people have been displaced by renewed fighting in Blue Nile state, according to reports, with both sides believed to be sending additional forces to the region and aid workers warning of a “catastrophic” impact for civilians.
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