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President Bush, help deploy Darfur peacekeepers now
Last summer, the U.N. Security Council committed to send a robust peacekeeping force to Darfur. The peacekeeping force is doing a valiant job of protecting Darfuris. But they are stretched too thin, unable to be as effective as they can and must be.
On June 1, the U.S. will assume presidency of the U.N. Security Council and will have the opportunity to set the agenda for the Security Council.
President Bush must use this opportunity to pressure for full deployment of the promised UNAMID peacekeeping force.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Full UNAMID Deployment
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Dear President Bush,
On June 1, the U.S. will assume the presidency of the U.N. Security Council. As president, the U.S. will have the opportunity to set the agenda for the Security Council and lead the way to protect the people of Darfur.
The U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1769 authorizing deployment of a protection force to Darfur almost ten months ago, and yet only a third of the authorized peacekeeping force has reached Darfur.
The United States and other leading nations who supported the resolution have failed to overcome logistical obstacles to UNAMID's deployment. The international community has not provided the necessary material support to fully and effectively deploy the mission, including trucks and helicopters
The UN has failed to act with sufficient haste in preparing conditions on the ground in Darfur for UNAMID's full deployment. Not surprisingly, the Sudanese government has continued to work against deployment by creating political obstacles and renewing its military offensive in Darfur, resulting in an additional 100,000 displaced Darfuris and hundreds dead since the beginning of the year.
The world's failure to protect the people of Darfur is simply unacceptable.
Mr. President, your administration must use the U.S. presidency of the Security Council to ensure that all stakeholders do what is necessary expedite deployment of peacekeepers and help protect Darfuri civilians. In particular, you must:
-Address the logistical obstacles to deployment. You must organize a high-level UNAMID donor conference to secure contributions of all necessary funding and equipment for UNAMID. You must also work with Secretary-General Ban to ensure that all preparations for UNAMID's deployment are being swiftly made, and thus ensure that a lack of bases, equipment, and sustainment capacity are no longer impediments to full deployment.
-Address the political obstacles by introducing a Security Council resolution imposing strong targeted sanctions upon leaders of the Sudanese regime until they fully and verifiably facilitate every aspect of UNAMID's deployment.
Sincerely,
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