Dear Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon,

I am writing to commend your leadership in assuring the unanimous passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1769. This resolution is essential in bringing desperately needed protection to the people of Darfur.

In authorizing the use of force by peacekeepers under a Chapter VII mandate, you have led the world community in taking an essential step towards protecting the innocent. The UN-AU hybrid mission in Darfur stands as the first real and tangible progress on the road to peace, and I applaud your efforts in leading its historic passage.

I urge you now to maintain the momentum of the international community to immediately implement the terms of Resolution 1769 by:

• Ensuring that the UN Security Council authorizes the deployment of peacekeeping troops as they are recruited;
  
• Ensuring that all member states fully meet their funding responsibilities for the joint UN/AU hybrid force within the 30-day deadline; and
  
• Pushing for multilateral sanctions at the UN Security Council if Sudan obstructs implementation of Resolution 1769.

Sincerely,