Background
Since independence, both Sudan and Chad have suffered from instability and violence. In Sudan, brief peace from a twenty year civil war ended in 2003 when fighting broke out in Sudan's southern region of Darfur. According to the BBC, the Darfur conflict is seen as "one of the worst nightmares in recent history," resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 and the displacement of 2.5 million. In late 2003, unrest from Sudan spilled across the border into neighboring Chad, contributing to additional population displacement and adding to the urgency of relief efforts.
Current Projects
- Analysis and policy recommendations by HHI Fellow Alex de Waal on Making Sense of Darfur
- Ongoing forensic research and health surveillance for Darfuri refugees with Physicians for Human Rights
- Recommendations to USAID on the need to support female Darfuri survivors of sexual assault and assure further documentation and accountability for the crimes
- A report to the International Criminal Court entitled, "Rape in Darfur: Estimates and Patterns 2003-2005"
- Events and seminars to raise awareness on the complexities of the crisis and educate activists on appropriate responses
- An annual Humanitarian Action Summit to convene senior leaders of the humanitarian community on best practices for effective interventions
- Research on early warning for prevention of mass atrocities in partnership with Humanity United
Published Reports
Nowhere to Turn: Failure to Protect, Support and Assure Justice for Darfuri Women
Nowhere to Turn is a report documenting the scope and long-term impact of rape and other sexual violence experienced by women who fled attacks on their villages in Darfur and are now refugees in neighboring Chad. The report is based on a scientific study, conducted in partnership with Physicians for Human Rights, of women's accounts of rape and other crimes against humanity that they have experienced in Darfur, as well as rape and deprivations of basic needs in refugee camps in Chad.