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Category: Other Content: Religions for Peace Calls for Immediate International Action in Darfur and Chad 22 September 2004 We the Governing Board of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the largest global coalition of representatives of religious communities working together for peace, call on the international community to commit to sustained action to prevent further, devastating loss of life among tens of thousands of Sudanese in the Darfur region and among those who have fled across the border to Chad. Immediate action is imperative. Religions for Peace strongly urges the United Nations to take appropriate steps to preserve as many lives and livelihoods as possible. Under the terms of a Joint Communiqué negotiated between UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Sudanese Government in June, the Government committed to take specific steps to end the violence in Darfur, including disarming the Janjaweed militia and other armed outlaw groups that have been terrorizing the local population. Yet credible reports of fighting, violence and assaults on civilians continue, further jeopardizing the security of Darfurians, and leaving the internally displaced and those who are now refugees in Chad afraid to return to their villages. To advance compliance with the key terms of the Joint Communiqué related to security and the cease-fire, Religions for Peace is advocating that all legal measures be advanced, including the possible deployment of monitors and a protection force now being deliberated by the African Union. Governments of nations with the necessary resources have a moral obligation to contribute logistical, financial and other support to ensure the security of Sudanese civilians. In addition, Religions for Peace urges key actors to involve senior religious leaders who are committed to peace and have the moral authority so urgently needed to help resolve this humanitarian tragedy. As we have seen in our work in Liberia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Sierra Leone, when religions unite out of shared moral commitments; divisions once believed insurmountable can be bridged. To reach a lasting solution to the conflict in Darfur, Religions for Peace urges all factions to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed in April 2004 and mobilize all necessary parties to negotiate a comprehensive settlement. We call on the UN to continue its engagement, applaud the ongoing efforts of the African Union and stand ready to assist them through our affiliated African Council of Religious Leaders.