Home > Campaigning > International Affairs > Dafur
Darfur
The Government has been seriously engaged in the crisis in Darfur from the outset. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Development Secretary Hilary Benn and Africa Minister Chris Mullin made clear the seriousness of their concerns when they met the Sudanese Foreign Minister in Summer 2004.
The Government's priority has been first to achieve a ceasefire, which has been in place since 8th April 2004. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 9 January 2005 by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, and hopefully this will signify the end to the civil war and lead to free and fair elections.
The UK Government is deeply concerned about the crisis in Darfur. The latest report by the UN Secretary General makes clear that all sides continue to violate the ceasefire, and this is hampering the provision of humanitarian supplies. The Government has been closely involved in drafting tough UN Security Council resolutions demanding that both the Government of Sudan and the rebels fulfil their obligations to resolve their differences peacefully.
The UK is leading the international humanitarian response to the crisis. Since September 2003, we have committed £62.5million, making us the second largest bilateral donor. The International Commission of Inquiry (ICI) recently found that serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law have taken place in Dafur, and the UK Government is supporting calls for the suspects to be referred to the International Criminal Court.
The Government firmly believes that the crisis can be resolved through a political process that both sides are committed to, and we will continue to offer strong support in helping this to be achieved.