Many of you already know about the conflict in Darfur (in Western Sudan) which has been raging since 2003.  While the conflict is complex, one of the most horrific components has been the actions of the government-funded "Janjaweed" militia that has led the international community (and the U.S. government!) to label the violence a genocide. Over 400,000 people have been killed and over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes and live in displaced-person and refugee camps in Sudan and neighboring Chad. 

 

Although a peace agreement was signed (between the Sudanese government and one of the main militia groups involved in the conflict) in May of this year, most of its deadlines for action have been ignored and the violence has escalated, making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian agencies to provide relief to those affected by the conflict.  A 7,000-strong African Union force now in the region is understaffed, starved of cash and eager to hand over to the U.N., but the Sudanese government has refused to grant permission for an international peacekeeping force (although on August 31, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution to send 17,300 troops and 3,300 civilian police to Darfur).  The mandate of the African Union force expires at the end of September and if action is not taken by the international community, the situation for the already vulnerable people of Darfur will only deteriorate further.

 

          ACTION NEEDED         

 

1) TODAY (9/13) is a National Call-In Day to urge President Bush to show stronger U.S. leadership by appointing a Special Presidential Envoy for Sudan, pressing for immediate deployment of UN peacekeepers, and ensuring that the current African Union force is fully funded. The White House Comment Line is - (202) 456-1414.  If you are unable to call today, please do make the call when you are able. The President will be making an address before the UN General Assembly on Sept 19th and we hope that he will use this time to call for greater action for the people of Darfur.

 

Talking Points:  

• I'm calling to urge President Bush to use his Sept. 19 address to the UN General Assembly to advocate for the immediate deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur with a Chapter Seven mandate to protect civilians. - Please do everything possible to ensure that the UN mandated peacekeeping troops are deployed immediately.
• We have seen the devastation caused by standing idly by in the face of atrocities; the United States must do all it can to ensure the people of Darfur are protected so that lives can be saved.
• Please tell the President that constituents care about Darfur and expect the UN to send troops now before African Union troops are scheduled to leave.

2) Send a letter to your members of Congress urging legislative action to help end the violence end Sudan. A sample letter is available on the website of Catholic Relief Services that you can edit and send.

 

3) Participate in a local event/vigil this Saturday September 17th - the culmination of the "Ten Days of Action for Darfur" campaign. A large rally will be taking place in NY, but others events are happening throughout the country. Visit the Save Darfur events website for more information 

 

Additional Info and Resources:

 

Save Darfur Campaign

Congressional Scorecard on Darfur

"Ten Days of Action for Darfur" resources, including an Action Kit and Faith Resources

Global Day for Darfur (Sept. 17th) - Petition (PDF)