In Pursuit of Genocide Prevention Legislation This ongoing initiative centers on the implementation of recommendations developed by the Genocide Prevention Task Force (GPTF) Report, which was released in December of 2008. The GPTF was co-chaired by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen.
Our mission at GC2PG is to participate in a national effort throughout every congressional district across the country towards creating legislation based on the GPTF recommendations. We would like to help generate broad-based support throughout both the House and Senate in passing a bill in support of genocide prevention as well as related initiatives which would include funding for genocide prevention in the budget-as needed and of course ENSURE implementation of the law.
Please look for upcoming advocacy and action opportunities in the coming months.
JULY & AUGUST ACTION ALERTS FOR ICC'S SECOND ARREST WARRANT FOR SUDAN'S PRESIDENT ON JULY 12TH 1. Contact your elected official. See template letter below.
2. Call the State Department at 202-647-4000 and ask that the US government do EVERYTHING in its power to prevent retaliation against innocent civilians in Sudan.
3. Tweet about it: "ICC issues 2nd arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir-for war crimes of #genocide http://ow.ly/2aaO0#Sudan cc: @statedept & whitehouse
4. Post a link to the ICC's press release to your Facebook page: http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/press%20and%media/press%20releases/pr557
5. Send and email to your list. Include the quote from the press release: “there are reasonable grounds to believe [Omar al-Bashir] responsible for three counts of genocide committed against the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups, that include: genocide by killing, genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm and genocide by deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction.”
ACTION ALERT CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL On July 12, 2010 the International Criminal Court issued the 2nd arrest warrant for Sudan's President Bashir for 3 COUNTS OF GENOCIDE. (Click here to view charges) Below is a template letter for you to send to your elected official asap. Please click on the link in the box below to find the contact information for your members of congress.
We urge you to at least send this letter to Senator Johnny Isakson who is the ranking member for the Senate Foreign Relation's subcommittee on African Affairs. Senator Johnny Isakson 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 970 Atlanta, GA 30339 770-661-0999
120 Russel Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3643
*Please let us know if you receive a response from any of your members of congress by sending an email to: genocideprevention@me.com
DEAR ELECTED OFFICIAL, The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a second arrest
warrant for Sudan’s sitting President Omar al-Bashir. This subsequent warrant adds three counts of genocide to the
previous arrest warrant against Bashir.
This news represents a legal recognition that there are reasonable
grounds to believe that genocide has occurred in Darfur and that Sudan’s
President Bashir bears personal responsibility for these crimes.
The ultimate goal will be to ensure that Bashir stands trial on
all of the charges for which he is accused – genocide included - so that
justice can be served.
As Americans, we have a moral obligation to act when we perceive
the potential for danger and possibly egregious violence approaching beyond our
borders. In the days ahead, the United States should lead the international
community in preventing Sudanese government retaliation against civilians,
peacekeepers or aid workers in Darfur.
The protection and safety of those living in Darfur must be a priority.
We cannot tolerate a replay of what happened in March of 2009 when the
Government of Sudan kicked 16 aid agencies out of Darfur.
Moving forward, the United States must ensure the justice and
accountability for crimes committed in Darfur remain a priority. We must play
an active role on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that all those
with outstanding arrest warrants in the case of Darfur are brought to
justice. Finally, as today’s
warrant has made clear, the United States and the international community
should work together to ensure Bashir’s swift arrest.
Already an unprecedented number of Americans and dedicated elected
officials [INSERT THE NAME OF YOUR
ELECTED OFFICIALS HERE] have refused to give up on the people suffering in
Sudan.
Now, more than ever, it is important we raise our voices.
GC2PG SIGNS ONTO LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT TO BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK AT THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT CONFERENCE IN KAMPALA, UGANDA.
June 7, 2010
President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Obama:
The undersigned human rights and anti-genocide organizations urge your administration’s unequivocal support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region of Sudan.
We welcome the fact that your administration, like the previous administration, has declared its support for the ICC’s investigations into the grave crimes committed in Darfur. However, it is clear that the international community’s commitment to accountability in Sudan to date has not been sufficient. Not one of the arrest warrants issued by the ICC for those allegedly responsible for orchestrating and perpetrating the crimes in Darfur has been executed. The Government of Sudan’s intransigence in the face of the arrest warrants has been so pronounced that the ICC’s judges recently sent the cases against Ahmad Harun and Ali Mohamed Ali ("Ali Kushayb") – for whom warrants have been outstanding since 2007 – back to the United Nations Security Council for action. Wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur since March of 2009, Omar al-Bashir has not only failed to cooperate with the Court, but has continued to obstruct humanitarian aid to and prolong the conflict in Darfur.
As a longstanding supporter of international justice since the Nuremburg Tribunals and a permanent member of the UN Security Council that referred the Darfur situation to the ICC in 2005, the U.S. must redouble its commitment to ensuring accountability for crimes in Darfur.
We call on the U.S. to support all outstanding arrest warrants issued by the ICC for crimes in Sudan by working with its allies and key regional actors to ensure the arrest of Omar al-Bashir, Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb if they travel outside of Sudan. When ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo reports to the UN Security Council on the Darfur investigations on Friday, June 11, the U.S. should lead the Council in taking action to ensure the arrest of Harun and Kushayb as requested by the ICC judges, and in coordinating UN Security Council action to isolate and ensure the arrest of al-Bashir.
We call on the U.S. to lead by example and make a public pledge at the UN Security Council to provide material and intelligence as needed and requested by the ICC to successfully pursue investigations and convictions for crimes in Darfur.
The U.S. must also make clear that its support of those alternative justice mechanisms consistent with international standards does not replace its commitment to the ICC proceedings. The ICC is designed to try the perpetrators most responsible for the world’s worst crimes and atrocities. Because of the ongoing failure of the Sudanese justice system to ensure accountability for the grave crimes committed across Darfur, layers of other justice mechanisms will be essential, though they must be properly executed to be beneficial. For example, the African Union Panel on Darfur’s recommendation that a hybrid court be created to try cases of crimes in Darfur could be an effective supporting mechanism for peace and justice, but only if that court served as a supplement to the ICC’s work. The U.S. must emphasize that such alternative mechanisms are no substitute for advancing ICC investigations and future prosecutions.
Without leadership from the United States, the unacceptable status quo of impunity for mass atrocities in Sudan will continue. The U.S. has taken a welcome step in advancing its commitment to international justice by participating in the current ICC Review Conference in Kampala. Now we call on your administration to lead the international community by taking concrete steps to support the ICC in its work for ensuring justice and accountability in Sudan.
No Legitimacy for Bashir! Sign the Save Darfur Coalition petition to urge U.S. leaders to not recognize the Sudanese elections! Click here to learn more and sign the petition!
Burmese Reporters Create Documentary Some are now being held prisoner... click here to visit their website, learn more about their documentary, and sign the petition to free the Burmese prisoners!
Click here to download a pledge form if you would like to help us get additional signatures.
Contact the Georgia State Director for the National Canvass for information on how to lead a canvass, become a canvass leader in your community and send in pledge forms:
Hannah@gadarfur.org
November 20, 2009 DUACG signs onto Physicians for Human Rights letter to Secretary of State Clinton regarding 'Sexual and Gender-Based Violence' in Darfur and Eastern Chad. To read the text of the letter click here.
New paragraph
Call to Action Videos
DUACG Chair, Melanie Nelkin, conveys the need for Senator Isakson's support for the recommendations of the Genocide Prevention Task Force.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeVg-c4ih58
The Washington Post this week revealed that U.S. National Security Adviser James L. Jones and U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Major General Scott Gration met with former National Security Adviser Robert "Bud" McFarlane to discuss Sudan policy at a time when McFarlane appears to have been working for the Government of Sudan. Read Washington Post article. Read emails from McFarlane to Government of Sudan official here.
The story reveals a web of connections between formerU.S. National Security Advisor Bud McFarlane and the Sudanese government as part of an effort to improve its relationship with the Obama administration. McFarlane was apparently contracted by the Sudanese government - for $1.3 million channeled through Qatar - to lobby Obama administration officials. McFarlane is also known for his role in the Iran-contra scandal.
PLEASE Call Senator Isakson
Ask him who else the White House and State Department are talking to about Sudan? If you are a Georgia resident, please call Senator Isakson's Washington, DC office at 202-224-3643. Below is a script to help your message to our senator who is also the ranking member of the Senate Foriegn Relations Committee, Subcommittee on African Affairs:.
"I urge Senator Isakson to call on National Security Adviser Jim Jones to publicly release the full list of outside individuals and groups that he has personally met with to discuss Sudan policy and U.S.-Sudan relations. This transparency is in keeping with President Obama's repeated pledges to govern openly and with the benefit of public input into the policymaking process. We need to know that the National Security Adviser is seeking a broader circle of counsel on Sudan policy than an individual who appears to be working for the Sudan government headed by a wanted war criminal."
The
weekend of November 6-9, more than 1,000 leaders of the worldwide
movement to end genocide and mass atrocities will convene on Capitol
Hill for Pledge2Protect.
Will you be there?
Registration is now live, and there's limited space so be sure to register soon! And be sure to sign up for the Pledge2Protect facebook event.
At the conference, the largest of its kind, you'll meet with
a powerful network of over 1,000 students, community leaders, and
activists to train in grassroots organizing and advocacy; educate
yourself on Sudan, Congo, Burma and genocide prevention; and meet with
your Senator's office to ensure the passage of comprehensive genocide
prevention legislation.
DUACG ADVOCACY TEAM ON CAPITAL HILL SEPTEMBER 10TH AND 11TH
AGENDA FOR SENATOR ISAKSON'S FOREIGN POLICY AID Houston Ernst: SUDAN: 1.
SANCTIONS: Too many gaps remain on existing sanctions. We ask that
Senator Isakson write a letter to Sprcial Envoy Gration asking him to
clarity his stand on sanctions in detail. Click on this PDF to read more:
2. NORTH-SOUTH conflict:
President Obama must
create clear consequences for the Sudanese government who is failing to
implement the terms of the CPA. The ruling National Congress Party is eager to
undermine the self-determination referendum scheduled for 2011 that will
determine if South Sudan will become independent.
3. DARFUR: Current US approach lacks an endgame
focused on specific proposals that will result in a lasting peace.
Instead the US must adopt a diplomatic strategy, draft a peace plan
backed by the diplomatic structure, address the core issues of
displaces and refugee Darfuri populations, and work to get all parties
on board.
Add your voice - and vote to help shape our September campaign! In one month, world leaders will come together in New York City for the UN General Assembly to discuss humanity's most pressing issues: but will they make peace in Sudan a priority?
Your vote now will decide the name of our September campaign to make
sure they do just that and remember those forgotten in Sudan. By
voting, you are also adding your name to our petition urging President
Obama to remember the people of Sudan.
News from Partner Organizations: Action Opportunities
SDC UN General Assembly Sept 21 and 22 – New York City Visuals:
SDC will be projecting DarfurDarfur, a photo slideshow of images
from Darfur, on the side of a building near the UN. Street
teams: They will be coordinating street teams – groups of activists in
brightly-colored shirts – to be patrolling the streets around the UN,
passing out stickers, getting signatures, etc. – they would love to
alert our activists to this. Please connect with Martha at SDC (Martha@savedarfur.org) for more info.
G20 Sept 24 and 25 – Pittsburgh There
is a dinner on the 24th with all the G20 heads of state. Suggestion to
have students from local schools – Ducane, U Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, and
area high schools – show up and make a visible scene. I know there
aren’t good/any chapters at those colleges, but could be a good
opportunity to have ROC/SOC reach out and recruit. Please connect Natasha at SDC (Natasha@savedarfur.org) for more info.
Urgent Sign-On Letter to Special Envoy Gration
August 13, 2009 Major General J. Scott Gration (Retired) Special Envoy to Sudan U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520
cc:
Office of President Barack Obama, Office of Vice President Joseph
Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator John S. Kerry,
Senator Richard G. Lugar, Representative Howard Berman, Representative
Gary Ackerman, Undersecretary of Democracy and Global Affairs Maria
Otero, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson
Dear Special Envoy Gration: We
write to you in response to your testimony before the Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations on July 30, 2009. We appreciate your deep
commitment to engaging all countries and parties concerned about peace
for Sudan and your focus on working toward the successful
implementation of the CPA. However, we are extremely concerned about
key elements of your approach towards the continuing humanitarian
crisis in Darfur and to the Government of Sudan (GoS).
We
believe that your conciliatory stance and reluctance to criticize the
GoS both excuses and emboldens the GoS thereby facilitating its ongoing
reign of terror and well-known strategy of “divide and rule.”
Candidate Obama promised that if he became president he would "take
immediate steps to end the genocide in Darfur by increasing pressure on
the Sudanese and pressuring the government to halt the killing and stop
impeding the deployment of a robust international force." We fear that
your approach to Sudan is at odds with the President’s promise and will
quash the hopes of all Sudanese for justice, peace, and the end of the
culture of impunity that has afflicted Sudan.
We implore you to consider the following aspects of your performance as Special Envoy which we consider problematic: 1.
Failing to both acknowledge ongoing human rights violations by the GoS
and consider these violations as another component of its genocidal
campaign 2. Failing to acknowledge behavior by the GoS that demonstrates its lack of commitment to peace and justice 3. Failing to hold the GoS accountable for such aforesaid behavior 4. Failing to define and promote a strong sanctions policy 5. Downplaying Sudan as a “State Sponsor of Terror” and suggesting normalization of relations with the U.S. 6.
Neglecting to adequately engage with or incorporate the priorities
expressed by Darfuri civil society and the Darfuri Diaspora
These problems are elaborated below.
1.
Failing to both acknowledge ongoing human rights violations by the GoS
and consider these violations as another component of its genocidal
campaign: Your public statements as Special Envoy have emphasized your
hard work and progress in Sudan, but have glossed over the ongoing
plight of Darfuris, particularly IDPs and refugees who struggle daily
with conditions of despair, helplessness, and fear. In recent months,
we have seen: · An ongoing campaign of
intimidation of IDP leaders, including the arrest of thirteen IDP camp
leaders between June 28 and August 9, and reports of torture and
targeted assassinations · The March 2009
expulsion and confiscation of over $5 million in assets of 16 NGOs,
which provided critical services to over one million IDPs · Continuing harassment, restrictions and delays of humanitarian operations for the NGOs still operating in Sudan ·
The installation of Sudanese NGOs linked to Khartoum who not only fail
to provide adequate aid, but use relief services to blackmail or punish
the IDP camp residents who criticize Bashir’s administration · The GoS’s failure to admit the four new aid organizations as agreed in mid-June · Continuing restrictions and delays to the implementation of the UNAMID forces · A Janjaweed attack on Kalma Camp in June 2009 · The GoS sentencing more than 110 Darfuris to death after questionable trials, · The GoS censoring its media and arresting and detaining human rights activists in unknown locations. There
are numerous other documented instances of human rights violations by
the GoS during the past four months. However, there is scant, if any,
evidence of actions by the GoS showing that it is sincerely interested
in peace with Darfur, South Sudan or other marginalized Sudanese. Furthermore,
it is unacceptable that crimes such as those listed above are not
considered genocidal merely because of a reduction in the number of
violent, direct attacks carried out by the GoS since 2004-06. Current
abuses are similar to those of the past, which are included in the
State Department’s reports on the Darfur genocide. Changing the
nomenclature will send a signal of pardon to the GoS, damage our
leverage in stopping the violence and perpetuate the impunity that has
facilitated the suffering of the Darfuri civilians as a result of their
own government’s policies.
2. Failing to acknowledge
behavior by the GoS that demonstrates its lack of commitment to peace
and justice: The policies of the GoS against its people, whether in
Darfur or South Sudan or other marginalized areas, have been
deliberately established, well-entrenched, and ruthlessly pursued over
decades. It is a mistake to believe that friendly talk will convince
the GoS to change its policies. Indeed, it was only because of
powerful multi-lateral and multi-dimensional pressures that the GoS
agreed to the CPA, ending the 22 year conflict between the GoS and the
South. The GoS has a longstanding record of making agreements, but not
abiding by the agreements. Partial performance, delayed performance,
and non-performance are common results of solemn commitments from the
GoS. The CPA is a critically important example of all three
performance types. In Darfur, the GoS has frequently
entered into ceasefire agreements and bombed Darfur within days. In
February 2009, the GoS and JEM signed an agreement to take “good faith”
measures to negotiate for peace; before the negotiations could resume,
the GoS expelled the 16 humanitarian aid organizations. The UN
Security Council has issued 30 resolutions regarding Sudan since 2003,
several of them because the GoS violated previous UNSC resolutions. The
UNSC first ordered disarming the Janjaweed in Resolution 1556 on July
30, 2004. The GoS repeatedly agreed to disarm the Janjaweed, but has
made no efforts to do so. The U.S. cannot assume that the GoS will
keep its commitments. Instead, specific negative consequences for
non-performance must be made clear and imposed if necessary.
3.
Failing to hold the GoS accountable: You have spoken publicly of
incentives for the GoS, but avoid talk of or planning for increased
pressure. Given the long history of crimes against humanity by the
GoS, the ongoing human rights violations, and the ICC warrants for the
arrest of senior members of the GoS, U.S. policy must not simply ignore
history and start “fresh” with the GoS with “no preconceptions.” U.S.
policy must be tough-minded, and define specific benchmarks for
significant improvements by the GoS if it wishes to avoid substantial
new pressures being applied, let alone pressures being relieved.
4.
Failing to define and promote a strong sanctions policy: We welcomed
your recent self-correction, published on August 10 in your “This I
Believe” statement on Sudan, in which you state that sanctions against
the Government of Sudan should not be lifted now. We are glad that you
agree that the products and services needed for development in South
Sudan should be enabled by administration of appropriate exceptions
rather than by lifting economic sanctions on the GoS. The
SPLM Secretary General, Pa’gan Amum Okiech, in his recent House
testimony, gave an excellent framework for lifting sanctions: “…the
lifting of sanctions should be linked to the full implementation of the
CPA and to the resolution of the conflict in Darfur and any steps by
the United States Government towards that end should be conditioned on
the achievement of specific actions and concrete steps in building
peace and transition to democracy. The following, among others, can be
identified as concrete steps forward – the demarcation of borders; the
adoption of the referendum law and a National Security Act that
respects freedoms; the lifting of press censorship; the institution of
a transparent oil sector; the implementation of the PCA decision of
Abyei, and the achievement of a monitored Ceasefire in Darfur.”
We
look forward to seeing you adopt a similarly strong sanctions policy,
which should include imposing additional punitive measures if the GoS
continues human rights abuses or fails to meet its obligations to
peace, justice, and safety of its citizens.
5.
Downplaying Sudan as a “State Sponsor of Terror” and normalization of
relations with U.S.: We were deeply troubled by your assertion that
there is “no evidence” to support that Sudan is a state sponsor of
terror. Although the facts may be classified regarding exactly what
assistance Khartoum has provided to the U.S. in the war against terror,
it is public knowledge, reflected in Department of State reports on
terrorism that weapons from Iran intended for Hamas travel through
Sudan. In March 2009, Sudan acknowledged a January 2009 aerial attack
on a convoy near the Sudan border with Egypt. Furthermore, Chadian
rebel forces supported by the GoS have repeatedly attacked Chadian
government officials and property as well as civilians. These are
obvious examples that Sudan is a state sponsor of international
terrorism, as defined by U.S. law.
Furthermore, apart
from the evidence that Sudan is a state sponsor of international
terrorism, normalization of relations with the GoS is incompatible
with the fact that the GoS continues to support wide-spread abuses that
meet the definition of terrorism against millions of its own people.
6.
Neglecting to adequately engage with or incorporate the priorities
expressed by Darfuri civil society and the Darfuri Diaspora: We
respectfully request that you take into account the priorities and
problems expressed by Darfuri civilians in IDP and refugee camps and in
the Diaspora. In particular, note their clear and consistent desires: · For justice and the end of the culture of impunity in Sudan, · For safety and protection, the prerequisites for IDPs and refugees to be able to return to their home villages, and · For strong pressures to be brought to bear on the GoS. Darfuris
are eager to engage with you and have reached out in a variety of
ways. Communications from Darfuris are sent in various forms daily to
the Sudan Desk at the Department of State. IDP camp leaders met with
the African Union Panel on Darfur in June and their requests are public
knowledge. Letters from Darfuri expatriates in the U.S. were delivered
to the White House and State Department on July 22. Please, take
advantage of these opportunities and take additional steps to reach out
and engage with Dafuris.
We thank you for your hard work
to help resolve the many complex conflicts in Sudan. We believe the
root cause is the oppression and marginalization of the majority of the
people by the minority NCP party which is intent on remaining in power
by any means. Our hope is that the suggestions in this letter will be
valuable in the difficult work ahead to bring to fruition the goal of
peace in Darfur and all of Sudan.
In gratitude,Melanie Nelkin, chair Darfur Urgent Action Coalition of Georgia www.gadarfur.org
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Meeting on Thursday 7/30/09 with Envoy Gration. We sent the following letter to Senator Isakson hoping he will address these issues in the meeting.
Dear Senator Isakson,
As citizens united by the Darfur
Urgent Action Coalition of Georgia, we look forward to your attendance at the
testimony of Special Envoy Gration before the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee on Thursday, July 30th.
We ask that you raise the
following five issues with Major General Gration:
Humanitarian Situation: Status Check
Special Envoy Gration has
provided a relatively rosy assessment of the humanitarian situation in Darfur;
a picture at odds with many of the international aid groups working in the
area.
He should be challenged on
the discrepancy as both aid groups and the UN force continue to face numerous
obstacles from the Government of Sudan in carrying out their work.
UNAMID: Status Check on Full Deployment
Given that tomorrow is the
two year anniversary of the UNAMID peacekeeping force in Darfur, and given that
UNAMID is still only 70% deployed, it would be appropriate to ask Special Envoy
Gration what the administration’s plan
is to ensure that UNAMID is fully deployed and, more importantly, fully
effective once deployed in protecting civilians and carrying out its full
mandate.
Approach to the Government of Sudan & the
National Congress Party (NCP)
Despite the March 4th
expulsions of international humanitarian organizations from Darfur and the rest
of northern Sudan, the Special Envoy and the Obama administration have
continued to emphasize engagement at the expense of pressure on the Sudanese
government in Khartoum.
We fear that the exclusion
of “sticks” from the conversation will create a climate of
impunity whereby the National Congress Party(NCP) in Khartoum can continue to shrug off
commitments to its own people.
We know from two decades
of dealing with this regime that traditionally the Sudanese government has only
responded in the face of concerted international pressure.
CPA Conference: Acknowledgement of Efforts
Special Envoy Gration
should be commended for bringing the parties, or "guarantors," to the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement together in Washington, DC last month and for his
presence in Abyei last week when the decision on border demarcation of this
contested and crucial region was handed down.
Pursuit of International Justice: The ICC
Special Envoy Gration has
suggested that President Bashir should face justice "in due course."
It would be welcome if you could query why the position of the U.S. government
seems to no longer be that Bashir should have the opportunity to face these
charges in The Hague at the earliest possible opportunity.
Sudan Policy Review: Request for Release
With national elections
looming, a worrisome surge in communal violence in the South threatening the
fragile North-South peace, and violence in Darfur continuing, the United States
is losing valuable time to secure peace in Sudan. The Obama administration’s Sudan plan is currently stalled. It should be
reviewed by outside groups and Congress and then released expeditiously. The
Sudanese people cannot afford to wait another day, and the U.S. cannot afford
the consequences of a return to war between the North and the South or the
continuance of the suffering of the people of Darfur.
This week’s legal decision on the boundary of Abyei, Sudan—is the first major test of recent Washington commitments by the two parties to Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, or CPA. The United States, which played a critical role in negotiating the Abyei Protocol— as well as the international community have a responsibility to ensure that the ruling is respected and that the residents of Abyei and the affected surrounding areas are protected from violence. (Click on the above link to learn more!)
DUACG met with Senator Isakson's aid, Houston Ernst, on July 13, 2009. We conveyed to him our biggest concerns:
Our biggest concerns were: 1. HUMANITARIAN: TO restore humanitarian services that are sustainable in all of Sudan. Especially critical during the rainy season. Specifically, we must continue to advocate for: A. Strengthening of UNAMID and UNAMIS to protect the people B. Cease fire and peace agreement in Darfur 2. STRATEGIC: Assure the implementation of the CPA, signed in 2005 but never implemented. CPA was sponsored by the US, UK, Norway and Italy; seeking out the consuls general from the
3 other countries to urge them to take a more active role would be a good step.
A. Urge the Administration to come up with a Sudan Policy Review ASAP. (Senator Isakson wrote a letter to the POTUS 2 weeks ago regarding this issue.)
B. Ensure that hearings should take place . Senator Kerry is trying to schedule a full committee hearing, most likely to take place after the August recess. These hearings should focus on full implementation of the CPA, enhanced sanctions that include our allies and China's special relationship with Sudan. C. Maintain Sudan on the state sponsor of terror list.
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), in partnership with HarvardHumanitarian Initiative (HHI), has published a report documenting thescope and long-term impact of rape and other sexual violenceexperienced by women who fled attacks on their villages in Darfur andare now refugees in neighboring Chad. This scientific study,corroborates women’s accounts of rape and other crimes against humanitythat they have experienced in Darfur, as well as rape and deprivationsof basic needs in refugee camps in Chad.
Current Projects In
cases of genocide and mass atrocity, the most important human need is
often the least frequently met: protection for civilians, from killing,
rape, destruction of livelihoods and other acts of violence. The
Genocide Intervention Network's Civilian Protection Program is unique
in that it finds, develops and supports projects focused specifically
on protecting civilians. This directly supports our mission of ending
genocide and mass atrocity, while providing you with the opportunity to
directly protect civilians in harm's way.
At the moment our projects
include:
DARFUR The Problem: Poorly Run Firewood Patrols Don't Protect Women from Rape
At this stage in the conflict, most of the targeted civilians in Darfur
have had their villages destroyed and now reside in camps, where they
are still subject to physical violence. In particular, displaced women
and children are at great risk when they leave the camps to collect
firewood. The dangers associated with firewood collection for women and
girls, especially rape, constitute a major source of violence both
allowed and encouraged by the Government of Sudan. While the firewood
patrols run by the UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) should protect women
from assault, in reality the patrols often do not occur, and when they
do they are irregular and ineffectively run. Thus, few women are
protected by the patrols, and the problems of rape and assault continue.
The Solution: Improve Firewood Patrol Services
GI-NET is working with a humanitarian partner in
South Darfur to strengthen firewood patrols and improve security for
displaced women. The project will increase the frequency, regularity
and effectiveness of firewood patrols, help women organize to increase
benefits from them, and provide donkeys and carts to help them collect
more firewood per each collection trip.
Some of the costs for implementing the Darfur program are:
$2.56 lets a woman use a donkey for one week (one donkey for use by three women costs $200)$350 provides a donkey cart for one camp$7 allows one woman to use a donkey and a cart for one week MAKE A DONATION BY CLICKING HERE
THANK-YOU GEORGIA
ON MARCH 11TH SB170, SAILED THROUGH THE STATE SENATE IN A 53 TO 1 FAVORABLE VOTE. ON MARCH 26TH THE BILL PASSED UNANIMOUSLY THROUGH THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!
*This important bill will prevent our state dollars from entering into contracts with foreign companies who are indirectly funding the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
THANKS FOR BEING A PART OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT IN GEORGIA AND THE USA WHERE ONLY 2 OTHER STATES HAVE PASSED THIS LEGISLATION!
For more information on SB170 and the subject of Contract Prohibition click here. Please visit the SaveDarfur web site for related topics.
THANKS FOR YOUR HAND IN HELPING GEORGIA TAKE THE LEAD IN EFFECTIVE LEGISLATION AGAINST THE ONGOING GENOCIDE IN DARFUR.
THANK YOU SENATOR ISAKSON! In the last few months, DUACG has lobbied both Senator Isakson's district and DC offices. A signed petition with more than #250 signatures was sent to him following our 4th annual rally in January. In his position as ranking member of the Subcommittee on African Affairs we felt his voice could play a key role in expediting President Obama's campaign promise of "unstinting resolve" in ending the crisis in Darfur. OUR VOICES WERE HEARD FOLKS!! Please read the letter below that was forwarded to me from his district office. Less than one month after this letter was written on March 18th President Obama appointed a special envoy to Sudan. If you have a moment to thank him, please call his Regional District manager Andrew Billing at: 770-661-0999
GO TO NEWS to read about the Obama's administration's First 50 DAYS: NO ONE AT HELM FOR SUDAN?
Please click here to register to receive action alerts and help to end genocide today.
In the last two weeks, renewed violence has displaced over 9,000 people from their homes in Darfur.
Thanks to activists' calls, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN Ambassador Susan Rice said they were willing to consider a variety of actions to end the violence in Darfur during their confirmation hearings. It is time to hold them accountable. We need to show the Obama Administration that we want Darfur to be a priority now.
Let’s ensure that President Obama does not have a similar tragedy attached to his legacy.
STAND, the Genocide Intervention Network, the Save Darfur Coalition, and ENOUGH are
partnering to let the Obama administration know that this time around,
the American public expects the President of the United States to do
something about genocide. This new administration has made promises
that they will take action on Darfur and genocide -- let's help them
keep their promises.
Please visit this site for information on sending out your Letters of Hope to the Kakuma Refugee Camp. This is a great project for students and groups of all ages.
**SOME MESSAGES FOR THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION For information on "what" to ask your member of congress and how to contact them please click here
Stopping Genocide is a phone call away. Add this to your cell phone and forward it to others. This site will give you up-to-date talking points related to current Darfur legislation. CALL TODAY-it's toll free.
STAND is a student led anti genocide coalition and a division of the Genocide Intervention Network. Click here for alerts and find or start your STAND chapter at your university today.
Please visit here and sign a postcard calling for President Elect Obama to end the suffering in Darfur.
SUDAN DIVESTMENT TASK FORCE
This targeted divestment campaign coordinates grassroots activism and lobbying to divest funds from the most egregious, worst-offending companies operating in Sudan, without doing harm to innocent Sudanese civilians. SB370 was a bipartisan targeted divestment bill in the Georgia legislature in the last session. Unfortunately it died in the Senate retirement committee. Please join in our efforts to lobby our state members of congress in this year's legislative session. For more information please go to our calendar of events page.
An international development organization promoting grassroots change, AJWS has been in the forefront of Darfur Advocacy and Action since the beginning of this genocide. For a variety of opportunities click here.
The Save Darfur Coalition inspires action and raises awareness on behalf of the people of Darfur. They offer global campaigns, advocacy and sponsor many national events in conjunction with other non profit organizations on a global level.
This organization has an action site with "Five Things you can do in 15 Minutes" and an up to date and indepth overview of the current events in the Dardur, Sudan region.
The
prosecutor of the International Criminal Court recently sought an
arrest warrant for the President al-Bashir of Sudan to answer charges
of war crimes and genocide in Darfur.
However, in response to this move there have been calls for
the UN Security Council to suspend the ICC investigations for a year.
Yet the arrest warrants have been almost the only point of leverage
that the international community have in their dealings with the
Government of Sudan. The UNSC should not waste this opportunity by
suspending investigations prematurely, unless there is proof that
President al-Bashir is changing his policies.
please visit the Aegis Trust's website to send a message to the UN Security Council.
Investors Against Genocide
A non-profit organization dedicated to ending investment in genocide. The
organization works with individuals, companies, organizations,
financial institutions, the press, and government agencies to build
awareness and to create financial, public relations, and regulatory
pressure for investment firms and companies to change. The ultimate
goals are that the Government of Sudan ends its deadly genocide in Darfur and that companies and investment firms avoid investing in genocide. For more information, visit www.investorsagainstgenocide.org.
JOIN DUACG IN IT'S SUPPORT OF GENOCIDE INTERVENTION NETWORK'S 
The Washington Post this week revealed that U.S. National Security Adviser James L. Jones and U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Major General Scott Gration met with former National Security Adviser Robert "Bud" McFarlane to discuss Sudan policy at a time when McFarlane appears to have been working for the Government of Sudan. 
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), in partnership with HarvardHumanitarian Initiative (HHI), has published a report documenting thescope and long-term impact of rape and other sexual violenceexperienced by women who fled attacks on their villages in Darfur andare now refugees in neighboring Chad. This scientific study,corroborates women’s accounts of rape and other crimes against humanitythat they have experienced in Darfur, as well as rape and deprivationsof basic needs in refugee camps in Chad.
THANK YOU SENATOR ISAKSON!
Darfur from Day One Campaign
Please visit 
Stopping Genocide is a phone call away. Add this to your cell phone and forward it to others. 
STAND is a student led anti genocide coalition and a division of the Genocide Intervention Network. Click 
An international development organization promoting grassroots change, AJWS has been in the forefront of Darfur Advocacy and Action since the beginning of this genocide. 
Investors Against Genocide 
