“You face many challenges, as citizens and as civil society leaders of Sudan and South Sudan, but we have witnessed the yearning for peace and stability that exists in both countries.”

Reflecting on their efforts over the past six years to promote peace in Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders send a message of support to a major meeting of civil society from both countries.

Mary Robinson has been in Addis Ababa for the binannual meeting of the Gender is My Agenda Campaign, to meet Sudanese and South Sudanese women leaders, and stress the importance of involving women in the peace process between the two nations.

“I do this because I feel I have a responsibility to use the experience I have. All conflicts can be solved.” Martti Ahtisaari

From behind-the-scenes advocacy to occasional "blasts of indignation", Sophie Grove, writing for Monocle, examines what makes the Elders effective after observing them at work during their trip to South Sudan in July 2012.

Summary report – October 2012

With ongoing conflicts in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and worsening relations between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders made a series of visits in 2012 to both nations, to highlight the growing humanitarian crisis and encourage further peace talks between the two leaders. This summary report provides a brief analysis of the visits and the impact of The Elders’ renewed engagement in the region.

“A day to realise the noblest dream there is: peace; an end to violence everywhere, within our homes, on our streets and between our societies, for the safety and dignity of all.” Desmond Tutu

This year, to mark the International Day of Peace, The Elders have joined other organisations in a Global Truce coalition. They urge the parties to the conflicts in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, Sudan, to implement a humanitarian truce in order to allow vital aid to reach those affected by the violence.

In July, the Elders travelled to South Sudan and witnessed first-hand the humanitarian crisis taking place in the region. They welcome the generosity of the Omidyar family in donating funds towards improving the refugee situation in South Sudan, as well as the recent move by governments and international organisations to increase humanitarian aid to the region.