An Important Step on Road to Peace in Darfur

We are encouraged to report that the UN has heard our calls and appointed a Special Envoy to Sudan.

Jan Eliasson of Sweden will be leading diplomatic efforts seeking an end to the crisis.

We thank everyone who has supported our work and sent letters to outgoing UN General-Secretary Kofi Annan calling for an envoy.

As Human Rights First Executive Director Maureen Byrnes said in a statement:

"Mr. Eliasson's appointment is an important step on the road to a peaceful resolution of the Darfur crisis. It is welcome and we commend it. But to make this appointment a real turning point, the Special Envoy must use all his experience and stature to press the Sudanese government directly to fulfill its existing international obligations. He must persuade all parties to the crisis to engage in a meaningful and representative political process. He must also ensure that the U.S., the EU, China, Russia, and members of the Arab League are all effectively engaged in resolving the conflict. Finally, Mr. Eliasson will also have sanctions and other measures at his disposal, and he must stand ready to use them if Khartoum’s intransigence continues."