Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Adjunct Professor Darryl Robinson, Acting Director of the International Human Rights Clinic, appeared on on CBC Newsworld on October 9, 2006 to provide a commentary on the Darfur crisis and the standoff between Sudan and the Security Council.

Here is a summary of what he said:

"Sudan is a member of the United Nations and like all members, it has accepted a commitment to cooperate with the Security Council - including in enforcement actions.

Hundreds of thousands of people are suffering and dying in Darfur. There are mass killings, mass rapes and burning of homes and villages.

Sovereignty comes with a responsibility to protect.  Sudan is failing in that responsibility.  In fact, the evidence is that Sudan is sponsoring the attacks.

People are dying today, people will die tomorrow, and the only thing that can save them is boots on the ground.

Sudan has a legal and moral obligation to permit peacekeepers to enter.

At the same time, Council members face some serious practical and political problems.

First, the United States has created a legacy of intense distrust, because of the Iraq syndrome.  That invasion was without authorization and on false pretenses.  We are now in an explosive environment of deep distrust.  The United States will have a difficult task assuring the region that this is not just a prelude to the "Iraqification" of Sudan.

Second, this is a complex conflict with multiple armed groups.  It is not clear that the UN can actually force its way in without some form of support from Sudan.  So far, the Council members have been pursuing "megaphone diplomacy", which has not been very successful. They will have to find carrots and sticks to build the incentives that will induce Sudan not to oppose, so that they can go in and help the people, with the necessary regional or local support."