WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY RESOURCES: SUDAN
Civil Society and NGO Reports, Papers and Statements | UN Documents | Government Statements and Reports | Books, Journals and Articles

UNIFEM WOMEN, WAR AND PEACE WEB PORTAL: SUDAN

Civil Society and NGO Reports, Papers and Statements

Five Years On, No Justice for Sexual Violence in Darfur
Human Rights Watch, April 2008
This report documents the widespread prevalence of sexual violence throughout Darfur. The government of Sudan has failed to rein in the abuse, much of which is carried out by their own soldiers and allied militia. In spite of the presence of international peacekeepers in Darfur, they have to date been under-resourced and unable to protect women and girls from rape and other forms of violence.

Ending Sexual Violence in Darfur: An Advocacy Agenda
Refugees International, December 2007
Sexual violence defines the conflict in Darfur, but international efforts to prevent and respond to the issue have been insufficient. While this report critiques the international response, the primary obstacles to preventing rape and assisting survivors are the perpetrators and the Sudanese government officials who actively block the work of international agencies. From police officers who arrest raped women to the harassment of humanitarian organizations, the Sudanese government has shown itself unwilling to treat the issue of sexual violence seriously. Nevertheless, the international community has also failed to do everything within its power to meet the needs of survivors of sexual violence in Darfur. This report summarizes Refugees International’s work on sexual violence in Darfur through 2006 and includes recommendations for improvement in the international community’s response.

Femmes Africa Solidarité
September 2007
This is a statement delivered at the Human Rights Council during the debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention. Roberta Méan, Coordinator of FAS’ International Secretariat, read the statement on behalf of Mme Bineta Diop, FAS’ Executive Director. This statement was presented jointly by Mme Diop and the seven other women who took part in the fact finding and solidarity mission to eastern Chad earlier this month.

Laws Without Justice: An Assessment of Sudanese Laws Affecting Survivors of Rape
Refugees International, June 2007
This report outlines a system of Sudanese laws that exposes rape victims to further abuse, shields perpetrators from prosecution, limits the ability for survivors to receive medical services and generally denies any access to justice. The report examines these laws and makes a series of recommendations on how the laws can be revised. The report also encourages international support of Sudanese civil society organizations and opposition members of Parliament who are calling for changes to these laws.

Recommendations from Sudanese Women’s Civil Society Organizations to the Security Council Delegation, 5-9 June 2006
Letter prepared for the recent Security Council visit to Sudan, and signed by hundreds of women’s organizations and networks including those in Darfur, Nuba Mountains, Eastern Sudan and South Sudan. The letter was prepared with support from UNFPA and the UNMIS Gender Advisor’s office, with input by other UN agencies.
In Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), the Council expressed “its willingness to ensure that Security Council missions take into account gender considerations and the rights of women, including through consultation with local and international women’s groups.” The Security Council’s mission to Sudan (5-9 June 2006) provides an important opportunity for the knowledge, expertise and resources of women’s civil society organizations to inform and support the Security Council in its work and decision-making on Sudan. We, the undersigned women’s civil society organizations, have therefore outlined three critical issues which require the Security Council’s attention. We look forward to discussing these issues with the delegation.

A message from the Women from Southern Sudan to the UN Security Council in relation to UN Security Council Resolution No. 1325
Recommendations for the Security Council from Women in Southern Sudan.
Women in Southern Sudan appreciate and are grateful to the UN Security Council for adopting Resolution 1325 which takes cognizant of the impact of armed conflict on women girls and calls for affirmative action to address their protection as well as the increased participation of the women at all levels.

Rape in Darfur
The Association for Women's Rights in Development, June 30. 2006
The crisis in Darfur continues to take its toll on people's lives despite the intervention of the African Union's peacekeeping force. The United Nations has been keen to send peacekeepers to this volatile region of Sudan, but the Sudanese government has been reluctant to let a UN force in, claiming that this would be akin to allowing a recolonization of the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence. [1] Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir recently indicated that he would lead a resistance against any foreign force coming into Darfur. [2] His government has, however, not opposed the presence of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in the region, a force that has encountered severe limitations in keeping the peace due to financial and logistical shortcomings. There have been numerous reports of the rape of women and girls in Darfur and in Chad, Sudan's neighbour to the west, a country to which many of the more than two million displaced Darfurians have fled to escape the war in their region. Within camps set up for internally displaced persons (IDPs) women have some measure of security.
However, they are often attacked and raped when, as they must, they leave the IDP camps to collect firewood for sale or for use in cooking. According to some studies, every Darfurian woman has been raped or personally knows other women who have been raped. [3] The rape is said to be perpetrated by the Sudanese security forces as well as the Janjaweed militia. The latter group is often claimed to be armed and otherwise supported by the Sudanese government which on its part denies any link with the Janjaweed. The security forces in Chad have also been implicated in the rape of women. Regardless of who is perpetrating rape, countless women have been subjected to sexual violence during the Darfur conflict which began in 2003. One of the keywords of the Darfur conflict is undoubtedly rape.

Beyond Victimhood: Women’s Peacebuilding in Sudan, Congo and Uganda
International Crisis Group - Africa Report, 28 June 2006
Peacebuilding cannot succeed if half the population is excluded from the process. Crisis Group’s research in Sudan, Congo (DRC) and Uganda suggests that peace agreements, post-conflict reconstruction, and governance do better when women are involved. Women make a difference, in part because they adopt a more inclusive approach toward security and address key social and economic issues that would otherwise be ignored. But in all three countries, as different as each is, they remain marginalised in formal processes and under-represented in the security sector as a whole. Governments and the international community must do much more to support women peace activists.

For complete report please click here

Responses to Gender-Based Violence in Camps for Internally Displaced Persons in Darfur
A PeaceWomen Survey
Researched and written by Garance Stettler, PeaceWomen Project Intern
Gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict is an issue whose importance is increasingly well documented. Guidelines and recommendations exist on possible responses to GBV in conflict-affected or humanitarian settings. Recent reports specifically address the question of gender-based violence in Darfur and/or in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from that region. However, even when these recommendations are based on field research in Darfur, there is very little substantial information available on the services that are actually provided on the ground.
This article is a survey of the main recommendations regarding GBV issues in IDP camps in Darfur. It will discuss the responses that have been advocated so far and will outline some of the remaining questions. This analysis is not intended to present an exhaustive overview of the situation but rather seeks to highlight some of the key issues. Given the scarcity of data on the services available in Darfur, this article will, for the main part, be confined to the policy recommendations made by humanitarian agencies, but it also discusses some of the problems raised by the lack of data.

Sudan: Expand UNMIS Mandate to Protect Civilians from LRA Violence
Refugees International Bulletin, May 17, 2006
The humanitarian crisis in northern Uganda has spread into southern Sudan, threatening regional peace and security. Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) fighters who have terrorized northern Uganda are now committing atrocities against Sudanese civilians in south Sudan, disrupting humanitarian activities and causing displacement. The Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the former rebel group based in south Sudan that signed a peace accord with the central government in January 2005, is both unable and unwilling to repel the LRA and protect its population. For the past four years, the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has had a significant presence in Sudan in order to pursue the LRA but have been unable to defeat it. The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) must be given a stronger mandate, more resources, and higher troop levels to protect civilians proactively

Beyond Firewood: Fuel Alternatives and Protection Strategies for Displaced Women and Girls
Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, March 2006
In the report, Beyond Firewood: Fuel Alternatives and Protection Strategies for Displaced Women and Girls, the Women’s Commission outlines alternative fuel options, firewood collection techniques and other protection strategies that should be used in displaced and refugee situations worldwide.To be effective, however, all strategies aimed at reducing the threat to women and girls should be accompanied by the development of income-generation activities. Women and girls must be able to earn a living in ways other than collecting or selling firewood.

Darfur Case Study

Sudan: Strengthen the African Union Force During Transition to UN Peacekeepers
Refugees International Bulletin, February 28, 2006
As the United Nations plans for the replacement of the African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan (AMIS) by UN peacekeepers, lack of resources may prevent the African Union forces from maintaining and improving their capacities. Even if the Security Council passes the resolution authorizing the UN Mission in Sudan to expand to Darfur as early as this March, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) estimates that it will take at least six to nine months for the transfer from AMIS to the UN to be completed. While a UN mission should be better able to provide protection for civilians through a more robust presence and a stronger mandate, in the interim period AMIS is the only protection available to internally displaced people living in camps throughout Darfur. Donors must take steps not only to support AMIS but also to improve its capacity to provide protection to civilians.

Women's Priorities in the Peace Process and Reconstruction in Darfur
7th Round of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Conflict in Darfur, 30 December 2005
This document addresses the issues of security, power sharing and wealth sharing in Darfur from a women's perspective. It includes a list of recommendations to the Sudanese government and the international community.

Sudan: Prospects of Peace
Forced Migration Review, 30 November 2005
'Sudan: prospects for peace' offers a wide range of opinion on the inclusiveness of the peace process, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement's prospects for success, feasibility of plans to assist the return of IDPs and refugees and recovery and development strategies. Many of the 38 authors regret the inability to negotiate peace in Darfur, the ongoing crisis in Eastern Sudan, exclusion of women from the peace process and the significant delays in merging the northern and southern armies and delivering funding pledged by the international community in Oslo in April.

The Editors express qualified optimism: "If Sudanese can return home with dignity, if gross inequalities in distribution of wealth and provision of services can be redressed, if Sudanese women are given space to contribute to its recovery and if Sudan can leap up the human development ladder to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the Sudanese will have much to teach other countries emerging from the shadow of war."

Nine thousand copies will be distributed in Sudan thanks to financial assistance from the US Institute of Peace, UNDP and UNICEF. The FMR Editors are grateful for logistical assistance from the Government of National Unity, the Government of Southern Sudan and the UN.

Each of the three launch events on 30th November includes a panel discussion focusing on displacement, return and the prospects for peace in Sudan. Details of speakers are available from the Editors, Marion Couldrey & Tim Morris.

The full text of articles is now online at:
www.fmreview.org/sudan.htm (English edition)
and at www.hijra.org.uk/sudan.htm (Arabic edition).

No Power to Protect: The African Union Mission in Sudan
Refugees International, November 9, 2005
The African Union Mission in Sudan argues that the African Union Mission in Sudan will be unable to carry out its job in Darfur unless the U.S. and the UN take active measures to provide support. AMIS does not have the resources or ability ot carry out its job of monitoring a ceasefire that is widely and regularly violated by all sides.  Refugees International argues that the U.S. and UN must push the government of Sudan to accept a stronger mandate that allows AMIS to pro-actively protect civilians in Darfur. In addition, the U.S. and UN must provide more funding, weapons and equipment and in the long-term, work to successfully transition the mission from the African Union to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

The Effects of Conflict on the Health and Well-Being of Girls and Women in Darfur: Situational Analysis Report: Conversations with the Community
UNICEF and UNFPA, 3 October 2005
This report provides an overview of community perceptions about the risks women and girls currently face in Darfur as a result of the conflict, expressed concerns for their physical and mental recovery, traditional coping strategies and the gaps in services and opportunities which are discerned by community members.
The situational analysis is a community-based investigation, meant to provide some insight as to how the international community can better shape its response through recognition and respect for these perceptions and preferences and the resources that are needed to improve women and girls’ health and well-being.

Sudan: U.S. support to the African Union forces can stop violence against women
Refugees International Bulletin, 21 July 2005
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice’s decision to address the issue of violence against women in Darfur during her recent visit to the region is an important step as part of the U.S. Government’s on-going effort to end violence and impunity there. As the Secretary has rightly pointed out, ending violence against women in Darfur requires better security on the ground. Where visible African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) forces are present, violence has diminished. AMIS forces are currently being expanded to 7,700 from the current 3,000. While this is a positive development, the force as it is currently configured is unable to provide adequate protection for the women of Darfur because of inadequate numbers of troops and an insufficiently robust mandate.

Sudanese Women's Priorities and Recommendations to the Oslo Donors' Conference on Sudan
11-12 April 2005
These recommendations are an outcome of a consultative process culminating in a Symposium on Women’s Rights and Leadership in Post-Conflict Sudan, held in Oslo 10 April 2005, under the auspices of Government of Norway, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

Sexual Violence and its Consequences among Displaced Persons in Darfur and Chad
Human Rights Watch, 12 April 2005
Women and girls who have fled ethnic cleansing in Darfur are being raped and subjected to sexual violence around the camps where they have sought refuge. The Human Rights Watch briefing paper documents how the Sudanese security forces, including police deployed to protect displaced persons, and allied Janjaweed militias continue to commit rape and sexual violence on daily basis. Even as refugees in Chad, women and girls fleeing the violence in Darfur continued to face the risk of rape and assault by civilians or militia members when collecting water, fuel or animal fodder near the border.

The Crushing Burden of Rape. Sexual Violence in Darfur
MSF-Holland, 8 March 2005
Women and girls in war-ravaged Darfur are continuing to suffer a high incidence of rape and sexual violence, according to a report issued today by the Holland office of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). Stories of rape survivors told to MSF are a horrific illustration of the daily reality of the ongoing violence that has displaced almost two million people in Darfur.

Sudanese Civil Society Open Letter to the UN Security Council Regarding the Sudan Peace Process
NESI Network Member Organizations, 18 November 2004
This letter was released during the UN Security Council's meeting in Nairobi on the situation in Sudan. This letter from Sudanese civil society includes recommendations on the requirement of gender-sensitivity training for all AU troops deployed to Sudan and the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 in the context of Sudan.

For raped women in Darfur, access to reproductive health services limited
Refugees International, 26 October 2004
Janjaweed militias and government police continue to attack and rape women in Darfur. But the few clinics that do have services for rape survivors are not seeing recent cases because women are unable and unwilling to use health services. While clinics are packed with patients seeing treatment of malaria or respiratory illnesses, very few women are coming in for medical treatment after being raped. Many of the women said they did not know that services such as the "morning after pill" were available. Some NGOs say that they do not advertise services to rape survivors because Sudanese law (Article 48) prevents doctors from treating rape victims without a referral from the police department. Doctors and health personnel can be arrested for violating this law and some have been threatened to prevent them from providing services.

Recommendations for Peace in Sudan: Women Making the Difference
Women Waging Peace and all conference participants, Washington D.C., USA, 15 October 2004
From 8 to 15 October 2004, Women Waging Peace hosted 16 Sudanese women peace builders for meetings, presentations, and events in New York and Washington, DC. The purpose of this conference was to raise the voices of women peace builders and urge the US government, the UN, other international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and think tanks to promote the inclusion of women in all efforts to bring peace to this troubled country. The recommendations were formulated by the delegation.

How is war impacting the lives of people in Sudan? An interview with Victoria Eluzai, founding member of the Sudanese Young Women Empowerment Network (SYWEN)
Janice Duddy, AWID, Resource Net, Friday File, Issue 192, 27 August 2004
Speaking for the South, women scarcely played much role, if I will be allowed to express my personal view. To say there was an effective effort to solicit and include the views of women and an effort to represent interests in the peace processes I would rather hold my doubts. It is my hope that the predominantly male forum took care to remember and affirmatively represent women in the processes. I am aware that in its constitution the Southern Movement has taken an affirmative action to include women by subsidizing 25% quota of participation for women in the government and 75% to everybody. How this is reflected in the peace deal and to be implemented are modalities yet to be worked out. Nevertheless, I must acknowledge the presence of the few women who participated and admit that as a woman I am proud they were there and appointed by the leadership of the Movement, meaning that their role was recognized by the leadership. I cannot tell how much influence they have impacted during the talks. But, I know that currently they have the assignment to workout, decentralize and deliver the protocols and their implications to the women at the grassroots level with the aim of including and involving all women in the realization and sustenance of the peace deal. I am aware that there is a mandate from the Movement and a lot of donor support to ensure these efforts work out successfully.

Sudan: Systematic rape of women and girls
Amnesty International, Press Release, 15 April 2004
"In our culture, it is a shame, and women will hide this in their hearts so that the men do not hear about it," a woman interviewed by Amnesty International. Alarming reports about the systematic rape of hundreds of women by the government backed armed militia, the Janjawid, have been coming from Darfur region in western Sudan over the past months, demonstrating the need for the international community to step up its pressure on the government. The Sudanese government must take urgent steps to address the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Amnesty International said today.

Overview of Women's Participation in Peacebuilding Process in the Sudan
Dr. Amna Abdel Rahman Hassan, Sudan National Committee Against Harmful Traditional Practices (SNCTP)

Violence Against Women in Sudan 
Society for Threatened Peoples, Written Statement, 58th Session of the Commission of Human Rights, Item no. 12a of the Agenda, Geneva, March 2002

Sudanese Women's Declaration and Plan of Action
Civil Forum of Sudan Conference, Women’s Rights in the Sudan: Agenda for the Future, Kampala, Uganda, 11-15 March 2002
Realizing the rights of Sudanese women is a challenge for all Sudanese, women and men. Sudan can only achieve a just and lasting peace, genuine democracy and development when the rights of women are realized in their entirety, while peace and democracy are themselves preconditions for the realization of women’s rights. But women’s rights are not promissory to be redeemed at some future time of liberation or democracy: all Sudanese political forces and civil society organizations must struggle for women’s rights now  

Sudan Blasted on Women’s Ban
Human Rights Watch, 8 September 2000
Human Rights Watch today condemned the ban imposed on September 3, 2000, by the Governor of the State of Khartoum and former minister of social planning, Mr. Mazjoub al-Khalifa, that prevents women from working in public places where they come into direct contact with men. Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir is in New York for the U.N. Millennium Summit this week. The decree bars women from working in hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. The governor justified the ban as "intended to honor women," to uphold their status in line with Islamic law, and to respect the values and the traditions of the nation. He asserted that women should not be harmed by this decree because they could be employed in other areas.

Islam and Justice: Debating the Future of Human Rights in the Middle East and North Africa
Human Rights First, Executive Summary, January 1997
The continuing conflicts between entrenched authoritarian governments and political movements inspired by Islam have had a devastating impact on respect for human rights in the Middle East and North Africa. Competition and contention between opposing political ideologies is unavoidable. However, this report focuses on the common objective of people of differing, and sometimes opposing, political and religious views to find practical ways to overcome entrenched patterns of injustice and human rights violations in the region. The role of international human rights law as the instrument of reform is the particular focus of this book.

UN Documents

Addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Darfur
UNDP, November 2006
In 2006 UNDP has embarked on a challenging programme addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Darfur - undertaking cutting edge work in the context of the continuing armed conflict in Darfur. This progress report is meant to provide a framework for analysis, to explain the programme’s vision and goals, and to describe activities undertaken in the past three months and those which are ongoing. It outlines current organizational challenges, limitations and forward looking strategies in addressing SGBV in Darfur.

Ensuring a Sustainable Peace in Sudan:Assessing Steps Forward for Implementation of
Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security
Final Report of Strategy Session Organized by the Gender Unit of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
20 December 2005, UNMIS Headquarters
For complete report, please click here

Women's Priorities in the Peace Process and Reconstruction in Darfur
7th Round of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on the Conflict in Darfur, 30 December 2005
This document addresses the issues of security, power sharing and wealth sharing in Darfur from a women's perspective. It includes a list of recommendations to the Sudanese government and the international community.

Rape and Sexual Violence Continue In Darfur, New UN Human Rights Report Concludes
United Nations, Press Release, 29 July 2005
For complete report, please click here

Statement Delivered by Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), to the Oslo Donors'Conference on Sudan
UNIFEM, 12 April 2005

Towards Achieving the MDGs in Sudan: Centrality of Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality
UNIFEM, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2005
The publication derives from the commitment, consistency and resilience of Sudanese women in their quest for peace, safe and secure living environment; freedom from poverty, discrimination and marginalisation. It is informed by the strategic and creative partnership created between the Government of Norway, UNIFEM and NUPI in creating space for women’s voices in the international processes in support of the postconflict reconstruction of Sudan.

UN Women's Rights Expert Concludes Visit to Sudan
United Nations, Press Release, 6 October 2004

Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Visiting Sudan
United Nations, Geneva, Press Release, AFR/1035 and HR/4795, 27 September 2004

UN Security Council Resolution 1556 On Sudan
UN Security Council, New York, 30 July 2004
The Security Council adopted a resolution on Sudan which demands that it shows progress (in 30 days) toward disarming the Janjaweed, a youth group that has incited and carried out violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the country’s Darfur region. The report states it condemns all attacks on civilians, rapes, forced displacements, and acts of violence especially those with an ethnic dimension, including women, children, internally displaced persons, and refugees. The resolution also recalls UNSC Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security in the preamble.

Nearly 20,000 Sudanese Flood Darfur’s Towns, Reporting Systematic Rape and Torture
UN News Centre, 7 April 2004
Nearly 20, 000 Sudanese in Darfur have flooded the region’s towns over the past week, reporting a campaign of systematic torture and rape by militia groups, which a senior United Nations official recently linked to ethnic cleansing

UN Officials Urge End to Human Rights Abuses in Darfur
UN News Center, 3 April 2004
Responding to reports of abuses and instability in Darfur, Sudan, top-level United Nations officials today issued a strong call for those concerned to protect civilians in the area.

Situation of Human Rights in Sudan: Resolution Adopted By General Assembly
A/RES/57/230: 27 February 2003

Sudan: Women In Public Life
United Nations Development Programme, May 2004
The 18-year civil war in Sudan has created both hardship and opportunities for women in public life. Thousands have been killed and millions more displaced from their homes during the fighting. Much of the country is mired in poverty, as the conflict has undermined efforts to economically develop. Women and children have borne the brunt of these hardships over the years. But women have also been able to use the war to insert themselves into public life.

Sudan: Focus on Women and War
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 12 November 2002
Three years ago, Arab raiders kidnapped Akwal from her home in southern Sudan along with her four children. During her captivity, she lived through frequent beatings and ill-treatment. "Sometimes we had no food for two days," she recalls The first time she tried to escape, Bak received severe beatings which tore her upper lip. In spite of this, she did eventually manage to escape with two of her children and find her way home. "If they had caught me the second time, they would have killed me," she said.


Government Statements and Reports

Declaration of the 4th Regular Meeting of IGAD Ministers in charge of Gender/Women Affairs
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), February 21-22, 2006

Towards Achieving the MDGs in Sudan: Centrality of Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality
UNIFEM, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2005
The publication derives from the commitment, consistency and resilience of Sudanese women in their quest for peace, safe and secure living environment; freedom from poverty, discrimination and marginalisation. It is informed by the strategic and creative partnership created between the Government of Norway, UNIFEM and NUPI in creating space for women’s voices in the international processes in support of the postconflict reconstruction of Sudan.

Proceedings of the 3rd Regular Meeting of Ministers in Charge of Gender Affairs
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), July 15, 2004
The specific objectives of the meeting were: to develop an IGAD Gender Policy framework with the view to facilitate the mainstreaming of Gender perspectives into all activities of IGAD in order to make them gender responsive and contribute to the achievement of economic integration, food security and environment protection, peace and Security and Humanitarian affairs in the region; to review a draft modalities of creating and IGAD women for Peace and Development Forum and to discuss the process and needs for improved Gender Budgeting in the region.

Status of Women In Sudan
Sudan Embassy in South Africa
The second part of the document provides an overview of the status of Sudanese women regarding armed conflict and peace and elaborates on policies and programmes for women affected by armed conflict.

Sudan: Ethnic Cleansing in Darfur
US Department of State, 2004
The most recent round of violence started in February 2003, when two new rebel groups emerged. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) demanded that the Sudanese Government stop arming the Arab groups in Darfur and address longstanding grievances about underdevelopment in the region. The Government answered by arming over 20,000 militiamen of Arab descent. The Government operates jointly with these militias, known as "Jingaweid," in attacks on civilians from the Fur, Masaalit, and Zaghawa ethnic groups. In the past year, over 700,000 civilians have been forced to flee their rural villages; over 110,000 refugees are encamped along the Chad border. The Jingaweid have perpetrated widespread atrocities against these civilians. For example, on July 25, 2003 after an attack on Shoba, a Fur village south of Kabkabiya, Amnesty International reported that at least 51 villagers, including many elders, were killed. On August 5, 2003 pro-government militias allegedly killed approximately 300 civilians in Kuttum, and destroyed and burned houses and shops.

Summary Proceedings of the Workshop on engendering CEWARN (Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism)
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), November 25 – 26, 2002
This workshop was organized with the following objectives focusing gender issues within the framework of CEWARN:
• Broaden participants knowledge on engendering CEWARN as well as perception of the participants and deepening the analysis of the concept and recommend innovative ideas on engendering CEWARN
• Provide a forum for floating and testing ideas, which can later be formulated to logical framework and integrated to the CEWARN activities
• Assure presentation of Women in CEWARN and CEWERUs (In-state Conflict Early Warning and Conflict Management Unit)
• Develop Institutional Link between Gender Desk, CEWARN/CEWERUs and national machineries

Report of the 2nd Regular Meeting of Ministers in Charge of Women’s Affairs
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), July 4-5, 2002
The objectives of the meeting included reporting on the progress made since the First Regular Meeting of Ministers in charge of Gender and presenting a training program on Advanced Negotiation & Mediation Training for Women in Peace Making, Leadership & Development.

Seminar on Gender Mainstreaming of IGAD Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Programme
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), October 15-16, 2001
The objectives of the Seminar were:
- To share experiences and enhance the participants capacity and women’s involvement in peace making and peace building.
- To review the current peace initiatives of IGAD in relation to the involvement of women.
- To review the IGAD Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution and Humanitarian Affairs programmes and identify gender gaps.
- To map out a strategic action plan for onward submission to the First Regular Meeting of the IGAD Ministers In-charge of Women’s Affairs.

Gender Mainstreaming Summary Report
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), July 3-4, 2000

Books, Journals and Articles

Passion for Peace
Elizabeth Palmberg, Sojourners Magazine, Vol. 33, No. 9, pp. 32, Features, September 2004

Women Demand Place at the Negotiating Table
Joyce Mulama, Inter Press Service News Agency, 9 April 2003
Strategic Initiatives for the Horn of Africa, a regional organization that promotes women's participation in politics, has called for gender issues to be addressed in the Sudanese peace negotiations. ”So far, there is no voice of women in the talks. Women are not visible in whatever has been accomplished at the negotiations and that is why we are advocating for them to have a say in the process, because they are the ones who have been affected most by the civil war in Sudan,” Hale Elkanib, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Horn of Africa (SIHA), told IPS in Nairobi.

Human Rights Sudan: Women Remain Behind a Wall of Inequality
Nhial Bol, World News, Inter Press Service, 10 February, 1998
Sudanese women have a long way to go before they break down the ''Berlin Wall'' (of human rights violations and inequalities) in the Islamic-ruled country, a university study on the status of women reveals. According to the 32-page study done by the Babiker Badris Scientific Society for Women Studies at Afhad Women's University, women have little or no access to resources and they lack political and social support from the state. Women comprise 32.6 percent of the labor force in rural areas and 14.7 percent of the labor force in urban centres, the study says, adding that rural women are major players in the agricultural sector. However, they have no legal access to land ownership, and they often do not control the money generated from their agricultural labor.

Sudan: Towards an Incomplete Peace
International Crisis Group, Africa Report No. 27, 11 December 2003
With the signing on 25 September 2003 of a framework agreement on security arrangements, the Sudanese government and the insurgent Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLA) are closer to peace than at any time in the past twenty years. However, considerable hurdles remain before any final deal is signed, and a separate, intensifying war in the west already threatens to undermine it. As the parties press forward with the last phases of negotiation, the international community’s engagement should intensify in support of the final deal, in preparation for helping with implementation if successful, and in ensuring coordination between the main peace process and the conflict in the west.