UN urged to champion peace in Darfur

Accra, Jan. 25, GNA - Participants at the first conference on United Nations (UN) Peace keeping in Accra on Wednesday called on the Sudanese authorities to conform to the directives of the world body to end the humanitarian crises in Darfur.

"The attitude of the Sudanese government undermines the peace process and prolongs humanitarian crises in the region, the participants said in a resolution issued at the end of the conference organised by the International Forum on the Status of Refugees in the World on November 3, last year.

The conference was addressed by Mr William Ofori Boafo, Deputy Minister of Defence and Dr Albert Antwi Bosiako, Initiator of the International Forum on the Status of Refugees.

The participants comprising journalists, diplomats, students and academicians, focused on 93The Evolution of the UN Peacekeeping Operations, 93The Challenges facing the UN in the New Millennium," "UN Peacekeeping Force and The Problem of Illegal Armed Groups" and "Peacekeeping Operations and Refugee Security Issues." The resolution, which was addressed to the UN Secretary General, Mr Van Ki Moon, said the global organisation had not failed in employing various approaches to conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace building.

It said any country that refused to apply international humanitarian laws should face charges of human right abuses. The resolution requested the Arab League to persuade Sudan to allow the implementation of the UN resolutions that allows the deployment of UN peacekeeping in Darfur.

"We request the Sudanese government to disarm the Janjaweed militia, which could terminate their barbaric activities 85 We are skeptical about Sudan's disposition to provide adequate protection for suffering people in the Darfur Region. The resolution appealed to the Arab League, the US and other stakeholders in the peace process to be sincere in their approach to the deal.

"Iran should change her attitude towards Hezbollah for the purpose of a peaceful settlement of the crisis. The UN, the African Union and other multinational organisations=85should get themselves involve in the political dialogue."

The UN should be able to monitor the implementation of all peace accords and mobilise international support for the implementation of all resolutions.

The resolution observed that there have been grave violations of human rights by military personnel involved in peacekeeping operations. It urged the UN to be actively involved in post conflict peace building in countries emerging from wars such as Afghanistan. 25 Jan. 07