Initiative Links

Amjad Atallah, Michael R. Meyer, Dirk Salomons, Guido Schmidt-Traub, and Nicky Smith Amjad Atallah, Michael R. Meyer, Dirk Salomons, Guido Schmidt-Traub, and Nicky Smith addressed recent political, security, humanitarian, and development progress and challenges in Darfur.

Towards Sustainable Peace in Darfur

An initiative of the Center for the Study of Human Rights with the Humanitarian Affairs Program, SIPA and the African Studies Institute

Project Rationale

Sustainable peace in Darfur must address the root causes of the conflict that lie in the extreme poverty of the region and the historic marginalization of Darfur, which is one of the prime sources of unrest.

In order to protect the rights of all Darfuris, including prevention of violations and securing respect for human rights, a three-pronged strategy emphasizes security, early recovery, and development. The recent escalation of violence has discouraged many countries from either contributing troops or making voluntary contributions to Darfur’s development. No country wants to pour resources and manpower into a problem with no end in sight. Planning and investing in post-conflict is not likely until after a peace deal has been negotiated and Darfur has been stabilized.

Refocusing on a development horizon will result in practical benefits to today’s humanitarian emergency as well as positively influence the U.N.’s efforts to bring Darfuri factions together and broker an accord with Khartoum.

The meeting – "Towards Sustainable Peace in Darfur" – explores ways to bridge the gap between current conditions and the post-conflict phase. The meeting identifies quick impact projects that can be implemented immediately in relatively stable parts of Darfur. It also focuses on development dimensions that can be incorporated into a peace agreement.

Peace can not be just an abstract notion. It must also yield practical benefits if combatants are going to lay down their arms and agree to turn swords into ploughshares.