Graph Credit: Foreign Policy Magazine, "The Grim Toll of Syria's Violence"

Over the past several days, the international community has worked to increase pressure on the Syrian government as violence continues.

The United Nations (UN) has said that at least 3,500 have been killed over the past eight months as government forces violently target civilians throughout the country.

Report Finds “Gross Violations of Human Rights” in Syria

In a report released today, the Independent International Commission on Syria found that “gross violations of human rights have been committed by Syrian military and security forces since the beginning of the protests in March 2011.”

Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council, the report expressed concern about documented patterns of “summary execution, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, including sexual violence, as well as violations of children’s rights.” The report also found that at least 250 children have been killed as a result of the violence.

Read the report (PDF).

UN General Assembly Passes Resolution Condemning Violence by the Syrian Government

Last Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution condemning the violence. According to Foreign Policy Magazine’s Turtle Bay blog:

“Not a single Arab country voted against the resolution. Even Sudan backed it.

The resolution was co-sponsored by Turkey, a former ally, and six Arab governments — Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait and Morocco, which will begin serving as the Arab world’s lone representative on the Security Council. Egypt, which had initially urged governments to oppose the resolution, ultimately voted in favor.”

The resolution is non-binding, but represents a political victory. The UNGA resolution demonstrates that the vast majority of the international community supports action against the Syrian regime. Additionally, the resolution highlights the efforts of regional actors to further increase political and economic pressure.

Meeting of the Arab League

Arab League Imposes Sanctions on Syria

Yesterday, the Arab League approved sanctions against the Syrian government. Despite signing an agreement with the regional body several weeks ago, Syria has failed implement key provisions. The regime has failed to cease attacks on civilians and has prevented Arab League observers gaining access.

The sanctions halt transactions with Syria’s central bank, impose an embargo on investments, freeze Syrian government assets, and ban government officials from traveling to member states. Some details still need to be worked out, including exceptions to lessen negative impacts on the Syrian people and a ban on all flights into Syria from Arab nations.

Russia Sends Warships to Its Syrian Military Base

This morning it was announced that Russia is sending warships to its base in Syria. According to news sources, a navy spokesman “confirmed that the Russian warships would head to the maintenance base Russia keeps on the Syrian coast near Tartus but said the trip had nothing to do with the uprising against Assad.”

There is some speculation that the move is an attempt by Russia to protect its interests in the region, including millions of dollars in weapons sales to the Syrian regime. Russia has been a troubling influence and has continued to support the regime both politically and economically. Last month, Russia was joined by China in vetoing a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that would have imposed sanctions.

Up Next: Action at the UN Security Council

Despite last month’s failure to adopt UNSC sanctions, it is anticipated that there will be another push to pass a resolution. This effort is bolstered by the UNGA resolution and an explicit request for UNSC action by the Arab League.

However, challenges remain. It’s worth noting that four key UNSC members abstained from the UNGA resolution: China, India, Russia and South Africa. Given the Arab League’s call for action, China would seem unlikely to cast a vote against future UNSC resolutions on Syria. Support from India and South Africa would be politically helpful, but neither country has the veto power that would be required to block a resolution.

This leaves Russia, which has already served as an enabler of the regime. Unfortunately, it seems likely that Russia will continue to play a problematic role and would be willing to exercise its veto power once again to prevent the UNSC from taking action.

Late last night, the Financial Times reported that the Syrian regime has stopped payments to European oil giants Royal Dutch Shell and Total. Shell and Total are two of more than fifteen companies that operate in Syria’s petroleum sector. Many of these companies are European, but the list also includes companies from Canada, China, India and Russia. This news is significant as it raises questions about the future of oil operations in Syria and the state of the regime’s finances.

There are frequent and widespread reports that Syrian Army tanks have been deployed and used in civilian areas.

Violence against Civilians and Oil

Despite the outbreak of violence against civilians and suspected crimes against humanity, companies have continued to operate in Syria. The Syrian oil sector has been a key target because oil revenue directly supports the regime. Although Syria’s economy was fairly well diversified, it was estimated that–before violence broke out in March–the oil sector provided the government with $7 to $8 million a day. As other sectors of the economy like tourism have collapsed, oil revenue has become even more important.

Sanctions by the European Union

The news that the Syrian Government has stopped payments comes shortly before key European Union (EU) sanctions banning the importation of Syrian oil are set to take effect on November 15. The ban on the importation of Syrian oil is significant because EU countries purchase about 95% of Syria’s oil exports. However, European companies are legally able to continue oil exploration and production in the country.

In light of ongoing violence, the EU also announced yesterday that they plan to further sanction between fifteen and twenty individuals.

Sanctions by the United States

The United States has sanctions on Syria that predate the recent atrocities. In testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, a Treasury Department official stated that “[U.S.] sanctions currently already do prohibit any new investment in the Syrian oil sector. [Sanctions] prohibit all transactions between U.S. persons and the Government of Syria.”

In order to provide additional pressure on non-U.S. companies, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation earlier this year that would provide penalties in the United States for any foreign company that continued to operate in Syria’s petroleum sector. The bill has twelve co-sponsors and has continued to gain momentum in the Senate.

The Need for Additional International Pressure

Just as the European Union and the United States have been leading efforts to pressure the Syrian regime, other countries like China and Russia have been lagging far behind. The United States, France and the United Kingdom have led attempts at the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution that would impose further sanctions, including an arms embargo. However, in an unusual move, China and Russia cast a double veto of the measure. It’s important to note that Russia is a significant arms supplier to the Syrian Government and has said that unless the UNSC adopts an embargo they will continue to sell arms to the regime. There is still strong interest from western countries in the passage of a resolution, but Russia and China continue to pose a major challenge.

Khartoum using food as a weapon – Sudan rebels- Reuters

• Rebels from South Kordofan, Sudan’s main oil-producing state, accused Khartoum on Thursday of using food as a weapon against the Nuba community and breaking its own ceasefire, charges denied by the Sudanese government.

U.S. appoints an interim charge d’affaires to Sudan- Sudan Tribune

• On Wednesday, the U.S. announced that it has appointed Mary C. Yates to be the interim Chargé d’Affaires at the embassy in Sudan. Yates will replace Robert E. Whitehead whose assignment in Sudan expired. It is not clear why the U.S. decided to appoint an interim diplomat to this position instead of a permanent one.

New cabinet gets go ahead- Miraya FM

• The South Sudan National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday approved the new cabinet put forward by President Salva Kiir last week. It includes 29 ministers and 27 deputy ministers.

Sudanese army deny reports on air strikes in Southern Kordofan- Sudan Tribune

• Sudanese army dismissed reports by rights groups about air strikes on civilian positions in the Southern Kordofan stressing that situation is calm as it observes an unilateral truce announced by the President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.

UN peacekeepers, Dinka Ngok leaders hold talks on Abyei- Sudan Tribune

• A Dinka Ngok delegation from the dissolved Abyei administration last week held talks with the commander of the UN forces in the region nearly four months after Sudan’s army invaded the disputed region.

UNAMID JSR Ibrahim Gambari holds talks with senior Chinese officials in Beijing- UNAMID

• On August 28^th, at the invitation of the Government of China, UNAMID Joint Special Representative and Joint Chief Mediator Ibrahim Gambari started a three-day visit to Beijing to engage with the Chinese authorities on the Doha peace process and the efforts of UNAMID in advancing peace and prosperity in Darfur.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi’s trip to Sudan and South Sudan is a symbolic indication of the careful balancing act China must play since the independence of South Sudan one month ago yesterday.  It is also a reminder of the important role China will continue to play if true peace is to be realized in Sudan.

China has more leverage than any other country in influencing Khartoum and, as I told Radio France International in an interview yesterday,

[CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW CLIP (skip to about the 9/10 mark in the broadcast)]

China, with its immense oil investments, has a vested interest in stability in both Sudans.  The question is whether the effect of that influence will be negative or positive.

China has played a positive role in the past, providing the first engineers for the peacekeeping mission in Darfur and helping to steer Sudan toward a peaceful referendum and recognition of South Sudan’s independence.  However, China is also a leading supplier of weapons to Sudan, many of which have been used against civilians in Darfur, in violation of a UN Security Council arms embargo, and has acted to block UN Security Council statements and action against Sudan.

China’s red carpet reception of President Bashir, an indicted war criminal, was a sharp affront to international justice, but at least held the hope that China might be able to nudge Bashir on a less destructive path.  The hundreds killed and more than 200,000 displaced in South Kordofan and Abyei since June and the continuing bombing of villages in Darfur show that any Chinese efforts to that effect clearly failed.

If China is truly interested in stability in Sudan, out of oil inspired self interest if not revulsion for the atrocities being committed, then it should stop coddling Khartoum and allow stronger action in the UN Security Council including a UN civilian protection force for South Kordofan and Blue Nile, an expanded arms embargo, a demand for humanitarian access, and an investigation into atrocities already committed in the Nuba Mountains.

The United States, for its part, should engage China, make protection of civilians in Sudan a priority in the face of ongoing atrocities, and make it clear that they have a mutual interest in peace in both Sudans, an interest to which Bashir is clearly an obstacle.

Sudan grants China oil exploration rights in ‘promising’ areas- Sudan Tribune

• The Sudanese government has granted China oil exploration concessions in three promising areas. The announcement was made following a meeting between President Bashir and the Chinese Foreign Minister, who spent two days in Khartoum.

UNSC meeting failed to call for ceasefire in South Kordofan, Sudan says – Sudan Tribune

• Yesterday’s UN Security Council meeting on South Kordofan failed to produce a resolution or statement calling for a ceasefire. The representatives of China, Russia, India and Lebanon voiced their objections to such a measure because information on atrocities is unverifiable.

China offers mediation between North & South Sudan- Sudan Tribune

• On his visit to Sudan, the Chinese Foreign Minister offered China as a mediator between Sudan and South Sudan on outstanding post-secession issues. China has multi-billion dollar investments in Sudan and has promised to help both countries develop their economies.

Sudan informs Gambari of its rejection to change in UNAMID mandate- Sudan Tribune

• Sudan’s foreign minister today informed the head of UNAMID that the government rejects the resolution extending UNAMID’s mandate because it attempts to modify the original version. Last week the foreign ministry sent a letter to the UN expressing its refusal to the content of the resolution and threatening to cancel the UNAMID mandate if it tried to implement any measure not included in its initial mandate.

Sudan’s ruling party raps SPLM-North over new rebel alliance- Sudan Tribune

• Nafi ali-Nafi censured the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North over its alliance with two other rebel movements against the government, averring that nothing will inhibit the progress of the state.

UNMISS & GoSS sign SOFA- Radio Miraya

• The Government of South Sudan signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the new UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba on Monday. The SOFA provides a legal framework for the operations of UNMISS.

South Kordofan SPLA in the media war- Sudan Tribune

• The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in South Kordofan has released photos and video of their military victories there. Because of the media blackout in South Kordofan it is difficult to assess the scale of the atrocities and most reports and based on eyewitness accounts.

SPLM: Illegal Russian weapons arrive in Port Sudan- Radio Dabanga

• The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement claims that illegal Russian weapons have arrived at Port Sudan to be used in the Nuba Mountains. Unconfirmed reports also claim that declaration of a holy war in South Kordofan is imminent and foreign mercenaries are joining with local militias.

Sudan releases South’s oil shipment – Sudan Tribune

• Sudan has released an oil shipment from the South that it had been holding at Port Sudan due to disputed transit fees. The two states have yet to reach an agreement on how much the south will pay the north to use their oil infrastructure.

SPLM-North and JEM agree to work against Sudan’s NCP- Sudan Tribune

• The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and the Justice and Equality Movement are both working to re-establish democracy in Sudan and are considering working together against the National Congress Party.

Liberation movements align to topple Khartoum- Radio Dabanga

• Four Sudanese opposition groups have signed an alliance to topple the National Congress Party through military action.

China FM warns North & South Sudan against losing “peace equation”- Sudan Tribune

• The Chinese Foreign Minister is in Sudan for a two-day visit to Khartoum and Juba, urging the two governments to continue peaceful negotiaions. China has an interest in maintaining stability because of its multi-billion dollar investments in Sudan, mostly in the oil industry.

UN to discuss escalating violence in South Kordofan- Radio Dabanga

• Today the UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in South Kordofan as well as the recent deaths of UN peacekeepers in Abyei.

Bishop calls for investigation into South Kordofan “ethnic cleansing”- Radio Miraya

• The Anglican Bishop of Kadugli has requested an international investigation into “ethnic cleansing” in South Kordofan. He reported that the Anglican church in Kadugli was burnt down and the Sudanese Armed Forces are occupying the Catholic church.

Osmaan Jaafar: ‘I am no militia leader’- Radio Dabanga

• The Secretary General of the Sudanese Red Crescent denies accusations by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement that he is a militia leader in South Kordofan.

Sudan’s NCP issues contradictory statements on new government- Sudan Tribune

• Two National Congress Party senior officials made contradictory statements on the upcoming formation of the Second Republic government. President al-Bashir has stated that under the new constitution Islam will be the official religion and Arabic the official language.

We cannot allow the history of a brutal genocide to repeat itself in Sudan, nor denial and inaction to repeat itself in Washington DC. Both are happening at this very moment.

Tom speaking with Rwandan refugees in Nairobi

I’m in Nairobi, Kenya where I have been meeting with survivors of the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur and the election violence that rocked Kenya in 2008. We leave tomorrow for Rwanda and then onto Juba, South Sudan for the July 9th independence celebration when South Sudan becomes the newest nation on earth.

Today I spoke at an international news conference here. On behalf of GI-Net/ Save Darfur, I demanded that the international community act NOW to protect the innocent civilians of South Kordofan and Darfur who are under relentless attack by government soldiers and government backed militias. Those who are behind these heinous crimes need to know that they will be held accountable. And if they are not, WE will hold government leaders who refused to act accountable. We released a report with Crisis Action and other partners, “Beyond the Pledge: International Engagement After Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement”.

We’ve followed news of the ongoing violence in Sudan, largely at the hands of the Khartoum regime, led by an indicted international criminal who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for the systematic slaughter of hundreds of thousands of his own citizens. Yesterday 16 people, including 8 women and children were killed and 32 wounded in the most recent bombing of villagers in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan. The attack came less than a day after it was announced that the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement had agreed to a 20 km “demilitarized zone” along the north-south border.

We met with two refugees from Darfur in their home yesterday on the outskirts of Nairobi. Their stories put the escalating attacks on the Nuba mountain villages into perspective. They told of being startled at 4:00 am by 3,000 Janjaweed militia galloping into the sleeping village on horseback. Machine guns mounted on pickup trucks followed. The invaders torched homes and massacred startled villagers as they ran from their burning homes.

Somehow our hosts managed to escape and make their way to the very place that is under vicious attack today, the Nuba mountains of South Kordofan. They spoke of the warmth and hospitality of their Nuban hosts who welcomed and cared for them even as conditions became strained with diminishing supplies of food and water to accommodate the growing numbers of refugees from Darfur.

As we sat in their darkened home, chickens cackling and children playing outside, they told of their alarm at the news from the very place that gave them refuge: “Nuba is becoming Darfur”.

I thought of our Darfur hosts when I read Nicholas Kristof’s latest piece in The New York Times. He quotes The Rt. Rev. Andudu Elnail, an Episcopal bishop for the Nuba Mountains who talked about the attacks that continue to rage against his people : “They’re killing educated people, especially black people, and they don’t like the church,” he said.

President Bashir need only fear the truth being disclosed IF someone outside of those villages gives a damn and does something about it. IF he and his murderous colleagues are held to account.

Our hosts had wondered why the international community, particularly the US or UN, had refused to help them as they looked back from their escape route and saw the thick black smoke of their burning village. The US government and UN did too little, too late, and their families and neighbors perished while the world waited.

As we made our way around Nairobi to learn more from those who experienced the horror of genocide firsthand, we heard that the indicted criminal President Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of crimes against humanity, was walking down a red carpet of welcome by the government of China.

And, as we waited to hear a strong statement of outrage by the White House or an announcement that tough, targeted sanctions would be imposed on the perpetrators of the killings in South Kordofan, we heard silence.

History is repeating itself before our very eyes. From the brutality of a genocidal regime that kills and rapes with impunity, to the silence and inaction from the rest of the world. The rest of the world includes us.

If you haven’t already, please join our chorus of calls to the White House. Tell the Obama administration that we need tough new sanctions imposed on President Bashir and his cronies who are behind the violence. We need an international investigation into the crimes against humanity that are being committed every day in Sudan. And we need a strong UN protection force to save the lives of those who are being targeted by the regime. Just call 1-800-GENOCIDE. It’s free, we will prepare you for your call and then connect you right to the White House. Over 1,400 concerned people have called already. We need you to join us and have your call logged at the White House today. The stakes are too high to not speak out.

You can make a difference today by demanding that our government act NOW . We cannot afford to look back and wonder how it was possible that ONCE AGAIN, untold numbers of innocent people perished while the world did nothing. Meanwhile, I will keep you posted as we continue our journey to Juba, South Sudan. Next stop: Rwanda.

18 killed, 36 wounded in Nuba Mountains bombing: SPLM-Kordofan- Radio Dabanga

• The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in South Kordofan accused the National Congress Party of violating the agreement signed Tuesday by launching an air attack that killed 18 civilians and wounded 36 others. The agreement is a framework for political and security arrangements in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, including provisions for a ceasefire. A link to photos reportedly from the bombings can be found here.

Sudan’s ex-foes agree on demilitarized zone on North-South borders- Sudan Tribune

• The National Congress Party said it has reached a partial agreement with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement about a 20km demilitarized zone along the north-south border, to be monitored by civilians with checkpoints manned by the Ethiopian peacekeepers.

Kiir meets Taha as efforts intensified to kick-start South Kordofan deal- Sudan Tribune

• South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and north Sudan’s Vice President Taha met at the African Union Summit in Equatorial Guinea and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining diplomatic, social, and political ties. A senior Sudan People’s Liberation Movement official says the agreement on South Kordofan will be implemented beginning July 3^rd.

South Sudan to mobilize $500 billion for future infrastructure development, Machar- Sudan Tribune

• South Sudan’s Vice President Riek Machar has announced that over the next five years the south will mobilize 500 billion dollars worth of private investment for infrastructure development. Although South Sudan is currently one of the world’s least developed countries, it is resource-rich and Machar expressed his intent to use those resources to benefit the nation.

Sudan secures aid and support from China- Sudan Tribune

• Yesterday Sudanese President al-Bashir met with Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss future relations. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Sudan’s Oil ministry signed an agreement to advance oil and gas cooperation, and China pledged continued investment in Sudan. According to Sudan’s foreign minister, China also announced that it does not support the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for al-Bashir, and it will work to mend ties between Sudan and the West.

CPA parties agree to demilitarize Abyei, but Southern Kordofan still tense- UNMIS

• Yesterday in Addis Ababa the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement finalized their agreement to withdraw troops from Abyei, replace them with an interim security force of Ethiopian peacekeepers, and set up a temporary administration. The agreement does not determine the final status of the region. Since the Sudanese Armed Forces took over Abyei on May 21, over 100,000 residents have been displaced.

South Sudan parliament’s official angered by questions on constitution- Sudan Tribune

• An official of South Sudan’s parliament ended a public forum on the constitution after becoming angry over questions raised about provisions for public security and freedom of expression. The transitional constitution for South Sudan has yet to be finalized due to disagreements in parliament over the document.

Western Equatoria: Arrow Boys Head applauds victory over LRA fighters- Sudan Tribune

• The Arrow Boys, a local militia in Western Equatoria defending against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), rescued two children abducted in Kidi village by the LRA on Friday. The LRA rebels, originally based in Uganda, often crosses the border into South Sudan, but the region had been relatively peaceful before this most recent attack.

Mayor: Death toll of clashes Habbaniya and Salamat rises to 134- Radio Dabanga

• In South Darfur, clashes between people from the Habbaniya and Salamat tribes have resulted in 134 fatalities, according to the Salamat mayor.

China defends visit by Sudan President Omar al-Bashir- BBC News

• China has supported President al-Bashir for many years, and the Chinese Foreign Minister says the government has every right to invite him to China. China is not a member of the International Criminal Court and has no obligation to arrest al-Bashir.

European Union: Council Conclusions on Sudan- EU

• Yesterday the Council of the European Union issued its conclusions on Sudan, committing to a comprehensive EU approach to focus on Sudan and South Sudan over the next several months on issues of peaceful separation and achieving a lasting peace in Darfur.

Bombs dropped in Kauda. Photo: John Ashworth

Bombing persists in Southern Kordofan- UNMIS

• Two jet fighters dropped 11 bombs in Kadua yesterday, targeting an airfield near the UNMIS base. No casualties have been reported. UN flights were previously suspended, and the closure of the airfield will hamper the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Sudanese president planning a visit to China next week- Sudan Tribune

• An Iranian official has revealed that Sudanese President al-Bashir will travel to China next week, but the government has not made public any details of the trip. This would be al-Bashir’s first trip to China since the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, although China is not an ICC member state.

US says normalizing relations with Sudan hindered by escalation in S. Kordofan- Radio Miraya

• The US has expressed concern at the escalating violence in South Kordofan, saying that if the Government of Sudan continues military action it will jeopardize the normalization of relations. The spokesperson called for immediate access for humanitarian assistance.

Insecurity hampering relief efforts in South Kordofan- Radio Miraya

• The World Health Organization has reported that medical supplies worth over US$180,000 were looted from its offices in South Kordofan. Humanitarian flights are denied authorization to land and militia roadblocks make land access difficult in region.

Sudan’s NCP says no negotiations with arms-holders in South Kordofan- Sudan Tribune

• The National Congress Party will not enter negotiations with arms-holders in South Kordofan and accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army of being responsible for the violence.

71 reported killed in tribal clashes in Lakes state- Radio Miraya

• Clashes related to cattle raiding between the Rumbek East and Rumbek North communities in the Lake State have left 71 dead and 36 injured. In a separate incident in Cueibet County, 38 people were killed.

6 women in Tawila, 1 in Zalingei raped by government militia- Radio Dabanga

• Armed men from a government militia raped 6 women in Tawila and one in Zalingei, as well as beating and torturing a group of displaced women. UNAMID was informed of the incident and the women are receiving treatment in a hospital.

Sudan’s ex-foes deny reports of deal on Abyei- Sudan Tribune

• A Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) official denies reports that a resolution was reached on Abyei in the recent negotiations in Addis Ababa. The SPLM had demanded the withdrawal of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and replacement with Ethiopian peacekeepers, but the SPLM reports that the SAF insisted on keeping on a brigade in Abyei.

Arab Gulf states drop condemnation of ICC warrant against Sudan’s Bashir -Sudan Tribune

• The Gulf Corporation Council issued the final communiqué of their second meeting of the year on Tuesday, and it omitted the typical statement rejecting the International Criminal Court warrant for al-Bashir, which has been included for the past two years. No reason was given.

JEM rebels criticize the mediation over Darfur peace document- Sudan Tribune

• The Justice and Equality Movement is calling on the international community not to support the Darfur peace document being presented by mediators, saying it was not agreed upon at the stakeholder’s conference and was only negotiated between the government and the Liberty and Justice Movement.