Darfur Leaders Network

Background
Darfur Leaders Network (DLN) is an independent non profit organization ( incorporated in Washington D.C) consists of 30 leaders from Darfuri civil society organizations of the diaspora located in the United States. These leaders represent 30 Darfuri-led human rights, humanitarian, and community organization in 20 states. Representation in the network is open to any Darfuri organization in the U.S. with the exception of expressly political, Sudanese government-sponsored, or rebel organizations. The DLN also includes 5 at-large members, who specifically represent the opinion and perspectives of Darfuri women in the diaspora.The DLN is an independent initiative of Darfuri leaders in the U.S. The DLN works closely with other organizations that possess a shared vision and common objectives for the people of Darfur.The DLN was established in February 2007 and held its first meeting between April 14 and 15, 2007 in Washington, D.C. Members of the DLN unanimously endorsed a set of policies for the international community to employ to end the genocide in Darfur. The core of this policy agenda was delineated in a joint letter dated May 18, 2007 from the DLN (and 9 other Darfuri organizations in Australia, Canada, Europe, and Africa) to members of the UN Security Council. Members of the DLN again joined Darfuri civil society organizations in the greater international diaspora in sending a joint letters UN administration, UN, African Union and other actors.
Core Objectives
In the empowerment of the Darfuri diaspora, the DLN aims to:

•  Promote immediate peace and security in Darfur, Sudan;
• Advocate for the rights of all Darfuri people to co-exist peacefully;
• Initiate community level dialogue amongst various Darfuri groups to create common platforms of peace and reconciliation;
• Strengthen the ties of Darfuri civil society organizations in the international diaspora amongst one another and with their counterparts in Darfur in order to promote and support civil society building in Darfur; and
• Develop the professional capability and enhance the professionalism of the Darfuri diaspora in conflict prevention, transformation and peace building.

Strategy
To accomplish these objectives, the DLN has divided its work into three categories:Advocacy and Grassroots: Lobbying and advocacy programs directed at the U.S. Congress, the U.S. President, United Nations, African Union, Arab League, and European Union; and, through these activities, enhancing the public understanding of Darfur and the efforts of the greater Darfur advocacy movement.Outreach: Strengthening ties and collaborating with other Darfuri communities and civil society organizations in the U.S. and abroad, as well as the greater Sudanese diaspora communities, in an effort to unite Darfur's multiple constituencies (and Sudanese partners) in the diaspora in a broad national coalition capable of communicating with international decision-makers and the media.Peace Promotion: Using the unity of the diaspora to support the overall peace process, specifically advocating for dialogue and reconciliation amongst all Darfurians by developing a strategic plan for collective inputs – based on the key issues and interests of the greater diaspora – into the formal negotiations between the Government of Sudan and those representing the people of Darfur; and always promoting a policy environment that fosters long-term peace and security in Darfur.