We commend the U.S. government’s principled decision to abstain from a Security Council vote which unconscionably linked the reauthorization of the UNAMID civilian protection mission to possible legal protection for the architect of the Darfur genocide. The resolution was tainted by unnecessary language aimed at diminishing the role of justice and accountability in this conflict – and which ultimately could accord impunity to a government apparatus accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Leading nations must not blithely bargain away the ICC investigation.
Now that the UNAMID force has been reauthorized, the members of the Security Council must show real courage, leadership and sacrifice in obtaining and supplying the necessary equipment and support for this mission to succeed. The resolution to reauthorize UNAMID won’t be worth the paper it’s printed on if the peacekeepers on the ground don’t have the personnel, equipment and political support to complete their mission. Leading nations can begin by supplying the helicopters needed for the force.
posted by Jerry Fowler
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