Yesterday afternoon, the House of Representatives approved an additional $334 million for the UNAMID peacekeeping operation, the hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force in Darfur. As many regular GI-NET readers know, the UNAMID operation has been plagued with a lack of resources [1] and funding—this bill is a huge step toward fixing this problem. Even better—this bill includes $150 million in overdue payments, known as arrears, for UN peacekeeping.

Given the recent upsurge in violence in Sudan, including attacks in North Darfur [2], the bombing of a Darfuri school [3], and even more alarming concerns that the recent rebel attack on Khartoum may provoke an armed response [4] in Darfur, adequate funding for this operation is critical to ensuring security for the civilian population of Darfur.

But we aren’t out of the woods yet...

Before the 2008 Budget can become law, the Senate must pass their version of the bill—we need your help to make this happen! The $334 million for Darfur peacekeeping passed by the House might get cut if your Senator doesn't stand up for it. Sign up for GI-NET’s Action Alert newsletter and RSS feed [5] to find out when your phone calls can make the difference in passing this bill and helping to ensure safety for millions of Darfuri civilians still threatened by violence and rape.