*DARFUR Union in the UK:- World Refugee Day, and the Plight of the People of Sudan in Elgeneina, Darfur and the Dangerous Trek of the ‘Lucky’ Ones to Adré, Chad*
*What is Needed Nationally, Regionally and Internationally*
It is World Refugee Day, a day to honour the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, or persecution. Darfur is one region that has been particularly affected by conflict, with over 2.7 million people and more displaced from their homes since 2003.
The conflict in Darfur began in 2003 when the Sudanese government, supported by para military militias, Janjaweed, aka border forces, Rapid Speed forces launched a campaign of violence against Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa ethnic groups. The violence has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more leading to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, (ref. 1).
ICC
The refugees from Darfur have faced a number of challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and discrimination. Many of them have also been traumatised by the violence they have experienced.
Despite these challenges, the refugees from Darfur have shown incredible resilience. They have rebuilt their lives in new countries, often starting from scratch. They have also been active in advocating for peace and justice in Darfur.
On World Refugee Day, we remember the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes. We also celebrate the resilience and strength of the refugees from Darfur. We must continue to work to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Darfur, so that the refugees can finally return home.
Most recently, the ongoing war crimes in Darfur have resulted in yet thousands of refugees fleeing atrocious conditions to make a hell of a journey from the besieged city of Elgeneina to the neighbouring Chad, the town of Adré to be specific (ref. 2).
Here are some specific updates from the past few days:
• On June 15, 2023, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that they had treated over 300 people for injuries related to the violence in Sudan.
• On June 16, 2023, the UNHCR said that they were urgently appealing for $100 million to help the refugees in Chad.
• On June 17, 2023, the Chadian government said that they were building a new camp to accommodate the refugees.
• On June 18-19, 2023, Donor groups in ME and Europe have pledge towards the situation in Sudan, although still unclear when and how it will reach to the most affected areas, among which Darfur.
The situation in Adré is fluid and it is difficult to predict how it will develop in the coming days and weeks. However, it is clear that the refugees are in need of urgent assistance and that the international community must do more to help them.
Here are some things you can do to help the refugees from Darfur:
• Donate to organizations that are providing humanitarian assistance to the refugees.
• Advocate for peace and justice in Darfur.
• Educate yourself about the conflict in Darfur and the plight of the refugees.
• Welcome refugees into your community.
Furthermore, the following actions are needed with immediate effect from the international community to assist with regards to the dire state of affairs in Darfur Sudan:-
• Provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Darfur, by securing a safe passage of aid from PortSudan to the affected areas, including food, water, shelter, medicine and other essential supplies. Moreover, provide much needed aid and medical supplies to the refugees in Adré, Chad. Also DARFUR Union calls upon aid agencies to provide temporary shelters to the recently arrived refugees from Elgeneina.
• Establish safe zones in Darfur where civilians can be protected from the Janjaweed militias. This can only happen by empowering existing peace forces and providing them with a clear Mandate.
• Put pressure on the Rapid Speed Forces leadership and its Janjaweed branches to stop the violence and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. This in terms will help humanitarian agencies to allow for real data gathering regarding the number of dead persons and also help to bury the bodies that are scattered over the ground in Elgeneina, and also in Kutum, Tawila and Zalingei.
• Protect those IDPs and new waves of displace people that are shelterless at this very moment in DARFUR.
Failure to take immediate actions regarding the situation in Darfur, will lead to series of further killing and a nonreversible human catastrophe.
We will never forget the generosity of the people of Chad and the kind action and stand taken by the of the Chadian government towards the Sudanese refugees. We can not thank you enough.
Darfur Union in the UK
Website: https://darfurunionuk.wordpress.com
Email: darfurunionintheuk@gmail.com
Twitter handle: @darfurunionuk
Ref. 1:- https://www.icc-cpi.int/darfur