The six-year war between forces loyal to Sudan's government and rebels in Darfur has effectively ended, the UN's military commander in the region says.
General Martin Agwai, who is leaving his post this week, said the vicious fighting of earlier years had subsided as rebel groups split into factions.
He says the region now suffers more from low-level disputes and banditry.
The UN says 300,000 people have died in Darfur, but the Sudanese government puts the figure at 10,000.
Almost three million people are said to have been displaced by the fighting.
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The end of displaced children and child soldiers is soon. There is more hope now more than ever to do so. Next is the end of the longest running war in Africa and justice to Joseph Kony.The six-year war between forces loyal to Sudan's government and rebels in Darfur has... more
Two guys discuss the implication of unwanted personal internet photos and videos. With it leading to discussing why certain drugs are illegal.Two guys discuss the implication of unwanted personal internet photos and videos. With... more
Participants were arrested for civil disobedience in front of the Sudanese Embassy on today April 27,2009.
WASHINGTON – Members of Congress – including Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA), John Lewis (D-GA), Donna Edwards (D-MD), Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) – and Darfur activist leaders were today arrested for civil disobedience outside of the Sudanese Embassy while protesting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
Also arrested: Save Darfur Coalition president Jerry Fowler, Enough Project co-founder John Prendergast and Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
Information from link above
For a less blurry pictures of the event click the blurry picture above,
The members of Congress and Darfur activists were released from jail this afternoon. Enough co-Founder John Prendergast was quoted after his release,
"We hope our message is heard in the White House in Washington and at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum. The time to end the genocide is long overdue, and the best way to do that is for the Obama administration to take the lead in helping to construct a credible peace initiative for Darfur and a more effective means to promote the implementation of the North-South peace deal."
John Prendergast's speech in front of the White house during the April 19th Honor the Past Act Now for Darfur rally. In recognition of Genocide Prevention Month event leading advocates for a genocide free Sudan spoke about the power of activism, and what needs to be done now for Darfur.
“There is a solution for Sudan and activism is essential for that solution,” said Enough Project co-founder Prendergast. Prendergast urged the audience to help send thousands of postcards to Obama's desk and to call government officials, and to contact the media to remind President Obama that he has the unique opportunity to lead a global push for peace in Sudan. "President Obama we are calling/we are counting on you and Sudan is counting on you."
A few days later on April 23rd, President Obama gave a speech at the U.S.Holocaust Memorial Museum. A video of the speech can be found at the link below,
"Today, and every day, we have an opportunity – and an obligation – to confront these scourges. To fight the impulse to turn the channel when we see images that disturb us, or wrap ourselves in the false comfort that others’ suffering is not our problem. And to instead make a habit of empathy; to recognize ourselves in each other; and to commit ourselves to resisting injustice, intolerance and indifference in whatever forms they may take -- whether confronting those who tell lies about history, or doing everything we can to prevent and end atrocities like those that took place in Rwanda, and those taking place in Darfur. That is my commitment as President…So today, during this season when we celebrate liberation, resurrection and the possibility of redemption, may each of us renew our resolve to do what must be done. And may we strive each day, both individually and as a nation, to be among the righteous."
Sounds like we're moving in the right direction, as slow as it may be.
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On April 19th DC-area advocates for Darfur (and 3 buses of advocates from Pittsburgh!) joined over 450 communities across the United States to honor the past and act now for Darfur.
The event began with a moving memorial ceremony honoring the victims of the genocides and mass atrocities commemorated in the month of April, Genocide Prevention Month. Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, South Sudan and Darfur were all remembered through personal stories, prayers and the building of a memorial in front of the White House.
Excerpt by Martha BixbyOn April 19th DC-area advocates for Darfur (and 3 buses of advocates from Pittsburgh!)... more
In his new book, Saviors and Survivors: Darfur, Politics, and the War on Terror, Columbia University Professor Mahmood Mamdani contends that the use of the word genocide is as political as ever and strategic ignorance about the history and current day politics of post-colonial Africa is just as great. Mamdani discusses the crisis in Darfur, the nature of Save Darfur advocacy, and what he sees as a dangerous collusion of colonialism and Anti-Terror rhetoric.In his new book, Saviors and Survivors: Darfur, Politics, and the War on Terror,... more
Seniors from Ms. Pfaff's senior English class made Public Service Announcements to call attention to the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.Seniors from Ms. Pfaff's senior English class made Public Service Announcements to... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service Announcements calling attention to the genocide in Darfur. These students had just finished What is the What, by Dave Eggers, and were excited to share their newfound knowledge in video format.
The poignant work created by these students shows the power of empathy. These students come from financially challenging backgrounds, having grown up in east Oakland. Reading the book, and meeting a Lost Boy named Samuel Garang, gave the students perspective on what is happening around the world, and inspired them to want to help.Senior students from Ms. Pfaff's English class worked to compose Public Service... more
Clooney hosted a fundraiser at his friend Roger Jenkins’ home in London on Thursday and invited 100 of his closest friends. A ticket to attend the gala was $14,575, which netted over $14 million.Clooney hosted a fundraiser at his friend Roger Jenkins’ home in London on... more
A Sudanese militia leader wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Darfur is in custody, a minister has confirmed.A Sudanese militia leader wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged... more
The pyrotechnics and fake pomp and circumstance of the Beijing Olympics will bring the competition to an end, but the genocide in Darfur that so many seem to have put out of their consciousness goes on.
"The Beijing Olympics have left the world's human rights groups frustrated and angry - convinced that China has been let off the hook for serious abuses, and adamant that future hosts like Russia must be held to a higher standard.
Western activists also are disappointed that among the thousands of athletes at the games, few have made even low-key efforts to speak out about political repression or China's economic ties to Sudan, where violence has raged in Darfur.
"Even if there was an athlete that wanted to speak out on issues of human rights, he might be silenced by whatever IOC official is mediating that press event," Darfur activist and former U.S. Olympian Joey Cheek said in an e-mail Wednesday to The Associated Press.
Cheek, co-founder of a group of athletes known as Team Darfur, had his visa revoked by Chinese authorities hours before he was to embark for Beijing. Team Darfur athletes who are in Beijing have acceded to International Olympic Committee curbs on political comment, resulting in what Cheek called "massive suppression of any voice that the government doesn't want heard."
Prominent human-rights groups have castigated the IOC and the games' major corporate sponsors for their reluctance to place any public pressure on China on such issues as political dissent and press freedom.
"The Chinese government's own voluntary pledges to improve human rights, allow public protests and guarantee 'complete freedom to report' made meeting these self-set human rights benchmarks one of the tests for a successful Olympics," Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch said in an e-mail from New York. "That is a test that both Beijing and the IOC have failed."
She said the Beijing games, rather than bequeathing a positive legacy, "may leave in place permanent technological surveillance and monitoring networks that make doing human rights work even more dangerous and difficult for Chinese citizens."
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are calling on the IOC to establish a more rigorous process for assessing the human-rights records of countries which bid for and host future Olympics."
The IOC has met with Amnesty and Human Rights Watch, but IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies indicated their proposals would likely be rebuffed.
"We're a sports organization. ... we stay clearly within our role, which is to bring sport to host countries," she said Wednesday. "We're not an organization that is best placed or has the capacity to deal with human rights issues"."
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With all due respect to Giselle Davies regarding this remark:
"We're a sports organization. ... we stay clearly within our role, which is to bring sport to host countries," she said Wednesday. "We're not an organization that is best placed or has the capacity to deal with human rights issues."
It is OBVIOUS you are not in an organization that has the capacity to deal with nor to care about human rights. And that is damned sad as I always thought the true spirit of sports was brotherhood. It is obvious however, it is now nothing more than a money making machine for selfish people who only care about winning at any cost. Shame on her for that remark.
*To whoever is going into this post and changing it. Please stop it. Thank you.The pyrotechnics and fake pomp and circumstance of the Beijing Olympics will bring the... more
Even as it receives a billion pounds of free food from international donors, Sudan is growing and selling vast quantities of its own crops to other countries, capitalizing on high global food prices at a time when millions of people in its war-riddled region of Darfur barely have enough to eat.
Even as it receives a billion pounds of free food from international donors, Sudan is... more
