Victory for Our Actions: the UN Security Council Calls for an Investigation into the Mass Rape in Tabit, North Darfur

In response to our call to action, and many other actors, on November 19th, the Security Council spoke out about the mass rape in Tabit and has called upon the Sudanese government to conduct a thorough investigation. The Security Council has informed the Sudanese Government that they must allow “full and unrestricted freedom of movement without delay through Darfur to UNAMID, so as to enable them to conduct a full and transparent investigation, without interference, and verify whether these incidents occurred.” They also urged Khartoum, that if the allegations are true, to bring the accused to justice. (http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49385#.VHTUaZUtDIU) This is exactly what we have asked for in our petition, which your support made a reality. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep concerns over this issue, and reinforced the Security Council’s position that UNAMID should be allowed unhindered access to Tabit to conduct an independent and transparent investigation. We at Darfur Women Action Group appreciate that the Security Council has recognized the travesty that has occurred and taking steps to bring about justice. We ask that the Security Council strengthen call for UNAMID to enable an independent and credible investigation, keep the pressure on the Sudanese government, and use UNAMID’s investigation results to hold the perpetrators accountable to achieve justice for Tabit’s mass rape victims and others in Darfur. At this time, we need the Security Council to help establish structure in Darfur and Sudan at large. This includes the assurance that humanitarian aid is allowed to regions in Sudan where it is needed, to make it clear to the Sudanese government that they must stop using rape as a weapon of war, and support the International Criminal Court in bringing the criminals to trial. Lastly, we thank you. This short-term victory could not have been achieved without the support of every one of you, your signatures, and your many voices sent through to the Security Council. They heard our cry and saw that this was an issue that they could not ignore. We still need your support to bring about effective civilian protection, lasting peace, and justice to the people of Darfur and Sudan at large. The Sudanese government is still obstructing efforts of aid and surveillance from the outside by implementing many obstacles. Let’s keep the pressure on the UN Security Council so that the Council, in turn, can press the Sudanese government and hold it accountable. Only with our collective effort can we make a difference.