US-based Darfur Women Action Group presents vision on Sudan’s future

The US-based Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) and 37 experts and Sudanese civil society representatives have produced a “Strategic Framework for Sustainable Change in the Republic of Sudan”. The main focus is on the genocide in Darfur, conflict resolution, genocide prevention, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, women’s rights, and international criminal law.

The comprehensive strategy was delivered to the interim government of Sudan, as well as to international and regional actors and stakeholders working on Sudan.

Principles

The development of this Framework was governed by the following principles:

1. Addressing the human rights of the historically marginalized communities in Sudan.

2. Understanding and acknowledging historical grievances in Sudan in light of the genocide in Darfur, forced displacement in Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains, and economic discrimination in eastern Sudan and far north Nubia.

3. Ensuring justice and criminal accountability for all crimes.

4. Ensuring humanitarian assistance and safe return for all refugees and internally displaced persons.

5. Developing steps forward in reference to international human rights and humanitarian laws, applicable precedents, and the realities on the ground in Sudan.

Immediate Needs (top priority)

1. Humanitarian access.

2. Security and protection.

Short-term Needs (three to six months)

1. Establish interim government criteria.

2. Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration.

3. Creation of enabling environment for safe return of refugees and internally displaced people.

4. Peace negotiations.

a. Parity and empowerment of women.

b. Inclusive and proportionate representation of all historically excluded and marginalized groups at all levels.

5. Establishment of the Ministry of Stability and Human Security.

6. Criminal accountability for International Criminal Court indictees and their accomplices.

7. Financial accountability for former regime officials and restoration of stolen funds.

Long-term Needs (six months or more)

1. Promotion and protection of human rights.

2. Restoration of the rule of law and institutional reform.

3. Return of lands and property.

4. Genocide recognition and prevention.

5. Transitional justice.

6. Development and reconstruction.

Hope

The Darfur Women Action Group has developed this Strategic Framework in the hope of assisting Sudan’s interim government to achieve an effective and sustainable transition to peace and justice, and also to establish a foundation for an inclusive and democratic future for all of its people.

The 13-page document is available in English and Arabic.

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