The crisis in Darfur, in western Sudan, has led to some of the worst human rights abuses imaginable, including systematic and widespread murder, rape, abduction and forced displacement. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have died as a result of both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, and more than 2 million civilians have been forced to flee from their homes. The situation on the ground has been plagued with renewed violence, Janjawid attacks, and aerial bombing by the Government of Sudan's military. Currently, the Government of Sudan is resisting the UN Security Council-mandated peacekeeping operation that is desperately needed.

The international society must, at long last, put a stop to these atrocities and bring relief to those who have survived but continue to suffer. Join the growing movement of citizens worldwide who are taking action for Darfur.   Read More »

Bashir and Putin. Is there any better picture of defiance than on the faces of these two autocrats? So, I've been asking myself, "how did good, fair rulers of history past deal with impossible tyrants? When people of this ilk bullied and got away with it, how were things handled?"

The first picture which came to mind was the thought, "what if all of this killing, though unspeakable, is seen by these two despots as a distraction? Obviously, these dictators are feeling pretty good right now --- they've gotten their killing accomplished and are still running their countries without any threats --- but they were obviously feeling pretty good BEFORE annihilating residents of Darfur or dropping missiles on passenger cars leaving Gori, Georgia. They were confident of victory....before their victory. No one is confident of victory until it happens. That they were emboldened prior is extremely suspect..."

In the same vein, the next thought which came to mind was that of the likelihood that Bashir and Putin have based some of their men as clandestine plants, using politics as their "trench", within the innocent party's government, hunkering below the radar and appearing oh-so helpful to the governments of Sudan and Georgia. Spying, in other words. A good-hearted, honest and decent leader is rarely the suspicious type, yet, fierce caution is a handy trait to have when millions of citizens are under your care.

Then, as usual, I went to the Bible for some answers. I love history. Oh, to find good ol' lessons in ancient history! Surely, the leaders of Israel ran into this sort of thing all the time.

Here is one story I found in the Old Testament which gave me vast insights. It begins in the Book of Judges, chapter 11, with Jephthah, a mighty Jewish warrior who understood how to be subtle in the game of negotiating:

Verses 17-18:
"Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, 'Give us permission to go through your country,' but the king of Edom would not listen...they [Israel] traveled through the desert, skirted the lands of Edom...they did not enter the territory..."

The full story shows that other kings became completely unreasonable and combatant with Israel with no motive, even though Israel was being peaceful and respectful towards them. Jephthah always sent messengers to lands he wished to cross, he didn't start petty wars or silly debates like the surrounding kings did, he fully relied on God never missing a lick, and when a leader did come against Jephthah, he was always prepared militarily -- so there's no question he was peaceful, yet prepared for battle, knowing how bullies are.

In the next verses, we read that, in self-defense, Israel had to go to war: they captured ALL of the land of the aggressors who had started the war. After Jephthah's victory, he went back to the bullies and continued reasoning and negotiating. Still, the aggressors paid him no heed. Does all of this sound like something you've learned recently in the news?

So, in just eight verses, we can learn from history the following:
-be peaceful with all men, as much as it is within your power, showing common courtesy
-communicate with leaders when you're not certain of what is expected of you, regardless of whether they accept you
-stay strong, never let your guard down; you never know when you'll need to defend yourself and protect those you love
-after you finish defending yourself, make sure you leave no stone unturned and finish the battle completely
-after a victory, still try to negotiate terms of fairness and reason

If we are to see true changes in Darfur, we need to do more than always be running to the rescue of its victims, though that is perfect. Our Darfurian brothers and sisters expect us to give them assistance for the long-haul. We need to teach them how to lead, how to win, how to negotiate. We can do this while also delivering them from the hand of the aggressor. Let's agree to do this, joining our efforts together. We can, when we believe the attack is really on us.

Save Darfur...Get The Message out There...Save Darfur....   Read More »

Hello all,

I am sure you are wondering what this is all about. Either I or another member have given you an invite to make a difference in the world. We will be working to stop the violence and genocide in Darfur. I am in the initial stages of this opportunity and I would like you to join me. I hope you will be willing to take a few minutes out of your day to help the cause.

Thank you
Bryan

Sudan severed relations with Chad on the twelfth of this month, May. Sudan accused Chad of supporting the rebel groups that raided it's capital.

Many refugees from Darfur are in Chad and with this new outbreak of resentment between the two countries its likely that there will be an increase in the violence, putting those who have been displaced or those who are migrating to Chad in an even more intense enviroment.

chadian women   Read More »

Who thinks either of the candidates will do anything about Darfur? Plez leave ur thoughts

Hi.My name is Lyndsey. I'm sixteen. Today was the first day I've ever heard about Darfur. An activist came to my class and showed us all these slides and a documentry and read to us all about this huge problem. I just couldn't believe that this is happening yet. It's unbelievable. I actually cried when i heard how horrible it was. And even worse it doesn't seem like too many people are intrested. You all probably know this but I'm knew and it completely broke my heart when my whole class was able to get a sheet about how to help out, and me and my friend were the only one to actually take one, the only one to care. I want to help in every way i can. I want to go to meetings and rallys and become an activist but I'm afraid I don't know how. so help would be appreciated. I want to do all that I can for the people of Darfur. I've told everyone I know about it, but it's not enough. I want to do something more, something wrong for whats going on in Darfur is wrong.

Check it out here:

http://www.sudandivestment.org/home.asp

This innovative project hopes to help bring an end to the atrocities of the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Students are trying to raise awareness by presenting the project to the general public, the government, and the media. This project is completely student driven, run by student volunteers. Please participate, and help spread the word about this project.

"We, Elm Place Middle School students, have created a project called "Reach for Change." The purpose of Reach for Change is to raise awareness about the Darfur genocide. We are asking you to color paper dolls which will be used as a visual aid to show the impact of the loss of so many lives. Our goal is to collect 400,000 paper dolls, representing the estimated 400,000 people who have died in the genocide so far. Please share this project with family, friends, and co-workers so that Darfur can be saved! . . . Also, as of right now, there is no deadline!"

Get your dolls!
Please download and print the doll template from this link:

http://www.nssd112.org/elmplace/teachers/Levi/PaperDolls.pdf

Once you have decorated your dolls, please send them to:

Elm Place Middle School

2031 N. Sheridan Rd.

Highland Park, IL 60035

To contact us with questions or comments:

Phone #: (847) 432-9217

Fax #: (847) 432-9213

E-mail: reachforchange@msn.com

Website: http://reachforchange.com/index.html

Howdy all fellow concerned San Franciscans.  I am glad to be a part of this coalition, and to be taking action in something everyone in this country and the international community need to realize as a grave problem.  The state of life for Darfuris is appaling, and I hope my joining this group will in any way help increase awareness of the problems in Darfur to other people.  I plan on informing all of my friends and sending out emails to get people involved, and I also plan on attending the Torch event next month.  While the situation is desperate indeed, there is always hope for the future, and I believe it is never too late to make a difference.  I look forward to a safe, peaceful Darfur!

 

-Phil

  

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Save Darfur Coalition cause on facebook.com is now making a lot of different and calling upon people to raise awarness about the on going Genocide in Darfur. Therefore, if any of you guys have facebook or want to join.. You can add the Save Darfur cause on your page and invite friends to it too..

here is hte link to cause and joining.

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/72?recruiter_id=1087068&h=ppn

SaveDarfur.org has a post called "Save Darfur Coalition Public Service Announcements" that's worth checking out...

It's been more than four years since the violence began in Darfur. Over 400,000 innocent men, women and children have been killed and…

SaveDarfur.org has a post called "Educate Others" that's worth checking out...

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have responded to the suffering in Darfur by standing up and demanding that their governments take action to end the crisis. However, many individuals still have not heard about the genocide in Darfur. To build the political will necessary to…

I'm asking people to sign a petition to help free Suleiman Jamous, a Darfurian activist who's been held in detention in a U.N. hospital in Sudan for more than a year.

For three years, Jamous served as humanitarian coordinator for the largest rebel movement in Darfur, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of displaced Darfurians. Besides helping to alleviate the dire humanitarian consequences of the Sudanese government's scorched-earth campaign in Darfur, he also worked tirelessly to bring abuses against civilians in Darfur to public attention, providing information to journalists and arranging for them to travel to Darfur. (Hear him speak on "Democracy Now!" in December 2004: Link

Slovenian human rights envoy Tomo Kriznar, who traveled through Darfur in 2006, said that Jamous "inspired me more then any other Darfurian."

Jamous is now trapped in a U.N. hospital in Kadugli, Kordofan, Sudan. The Sudanese government, which has deeply resented his efforts to draw attention to abuses in Darfur, refuses to let him return to the region, and the United Nations seems to have acceded to his detention.

Please take a moment to read about Jamous's situation, and join me in signing the petition. It will take less than a minute of your time -- please sign here:

Link

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.

For more information about Suleiman Jamous, please read --

Ronan Farrow, "Darfur's Forgotten Rebel"
Link

Julie Flint, "Credibility Where It's Due"
Link

Eric Reeves, "The Case of Suleiman Jamous"
Link

Jen Marlowe, "The Ordeal of Suleiman Jamous"
Link

http://jamous.wordpress.com

IT'S APPARENT IN TIMES OF GENOCIDE

WE MUST LEAD

OUR LEADERS

NOTE: my main blog is Link
where you can read my other posts and see pictures.

What do these locations have in common?

* Darfur, Sudan
* Rwanda
* Yerevan, Armenia
* Sarajevo, Bosnia
* Germany and surrounding countries
* Phenom Penh, Cambodia
* Nanking, China http://nankingthefilm.com/
* The land the United States of America was created upon

Human inhumanity is a legacy and a stain on all of us. All of these places have this word in common: GENOCIDE. Do you know what genocide is? It was defined December 9, 1948 at the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide… Link

And do you know the date that the United States of America ratified it? Not until November 25, 1988.

A Summary of United Nations Agreements on Human Rights: Link

I was on a nationwide, worldwide really, hour conference call today with approximately 75 others via the Save Darfur Coalition offices in Washington, D.C. I consider myself a human rights activist and Darfur community leader in the state of Rhode Island. It was a privilege today to participate in this call. We listened to the worldwide coordinator of the Olympics Torch Relay for Darfur, Jill Savett, explain the progress and plans of this huge endeavor. There will be a Torch Relay for Darfur going through countries that have had genocides: Starting at the Chad/Darfur border, where the current genocide is, continuing in Rwanda, Armenia, Bosnia, Germany, Cambodia ending in China or in a symbolic location of China (if China won't allow us in China). The Torch Relay will link the Darfur genocide to China, where the 2008 Olympics will take place. The Dream for Darfur Olympic Torch Relay will begin August 8, 2007, one year in advance of the opening ceremonies in Beijing, China of the 2008 Olympics. By the way, Steven Spielberg is producing the opening and closing ceremonies in Beijing, China, land of the Darfur genocide funding.

Link

But also, there will be a symbolic Torch Relay for Darfur in the United States of America. This United States of America Olympic Symbolic Torch Relay will begin September 9, 2007 which is the anniversary date that Secretary of State Colin Powell initially identified and acknowledged the actions as genocide in Darfur. The USA Darfur Relay will culminate on December 10, 2007, Global Day of Action for Darfur, which is also the date of World Human Rights Day.

Link

Link

…………………………………………

SaveDarfur.org has a post called "Unity Statement" that's worth checking out...

The emergency in Sudan's western region of Darfur presents the starkest challenge to the world since the Rwanda genocide in 1994. A government-backed Arab militia known as Janjaweed has been engaging in campaigns to displace and wipe out communities of African tribal farmers (notes…

…………………………………………

Why Focus on China

China has two large oil companies in Sudan, which makes money for the Sudanese government. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir uses 70 % of the nation's budget for his military who works in coordination with the Janjaweed to commit the genocide on the Darfuri families. This is proven by human rights organizations, independent films, such as Darfur Diaries, as well as the African Union troops who have for years been documenting the stories and actions, in addition to taking pictures of the carnage. China sits on the Security Council of the United Nations and is in a position to put an end to this four and half year genocide, however it has done not only nothing to alleviate or stop the genocide, but it has done the opposite by making supportive statements repeatedly for Omar al-Bashir, the mastermind behind the genocide.

Email the National Olympic Committee to state your position on the Darfur genocide:

Link

...................................................

Please . . . please, Sign the Petition.

Tell the Olympic Committee to Bring the Olympic Dream to the People of Darfur.

Sign the Petition to the International Olympic Committee:

Link


The organizers of the Dream for Darfur's sponsored International Olympic Torch Relay for Darfur met the China Ambassador to the United States last Friday. China proved to be cognizant of this endeavor. We have their attention. It is important that we have their attention. And more.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabriel Starring, who is and has been on the Chad/Darfur border for two weeks, was also on the conference call today and told us that the people in the "refugee" camps just "want to go home" and that they are in "survivor mode" in these camps. He said:

there is "no rule of law", life is "unpredictable", there is "no security", "humanitarian aid is hit and miss"

that when he was there in 2005, camps were relatively stable and things have deteriorated drastically

the people want to find hope and that they want to connect with us

the people are resilient, beautiful and strong and that he feels at one with them.

Gabriel stated that the people are no different than us and that we would want them to do for us if it was us.

Gabriel told us that videos that they have been taking there are uploaded daily and can be seen at www.stopgenocidenow.org Gabriel's group is going to leave video equipment with the people when they leave, so that the people can feel a connection to the rest of the world, which they so desperately need.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Then, Mia Farrow spoke to us about her trip there. She said that more than the needed water and food, the people's plea is for protection, safety . . . that the UN is hopelessly paralyzed, that China sits on the Security Council and has rendered the UN toothless regarding Darfur, that Beijing pours billions of dollars into the Sudanese government's coffers and in effect are underwriting the first genocide of the 21st century, that China's oil companies' air strips in Sudan are being used for planes bombing the Darfuri families and communities, that 76% of China in a poll stated that they believe that China has the responsibility to step up and do the right thing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Scott Warren, for Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, who is the new executive director of www.standnow.org that the United States Olympic Torch Relays goals are to:

1. Influence China regarding their responsibility to use their leverage to end the Sudanese government's perpetrating the genocide on their own people

1. That the 2008 Chinese Olympics are China's "Coming Out Party" and that by shaming

them - they will do the correct thing

b. To gain media coverage of this issue of our complicity and living out our stated values of

human rights is something we also must be pressured to do as a nation

2. Make an impact on the world, the USA populace and the Presidential candidates

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I plan to organize an Olympic Torch Relay for Darfur in the state of Rhode Island

Once my plans materialize, I will post it on Link

I also will post here about the plans as we go along.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I CALLED PRESIDENT BUSH TODAY AT

202 - 456 - 1111, as I ask you to do every day.

I was only asked what state that I am from.

Today, my message was:

"I am calling about the Darfur genocide. I believe we are standing idly by and I'd like us to stop that and take action."

When the automated message came on I just waited as if I have a rotary dial phone in order to talk to the person live. This is the President's Comment Line and she says that she will pass on the message to the President. If you and I call every day until this genocide is over, it is a small step for humankind and toward peace. It's really up to us to shine a light on our responsibility to stop genocide. Evidentally, our leaders need us to lead them in times of genocide.
The President's Comment Phone Line is open Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
202 - 456 - 1111

email: president@whitehouse.gov

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Call your US Senators & Representatives at

1 - 800 - GENOCIDE

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Genocide flourishes when there is no accountability.

WE CAN'T SAY THAT WE CARE ABOUT JUSTICE

WHEN WE DO NOTHING TO STOP THE INJUSTICE

We each have a voice.

We each have a presence.

We have been called to be human

in the most basic way

on this subject.



Where there is a will - there is always a way.

And where there is no will - there is no way.



Silence is necessary for genocide to go on.

Our collective silence is a weapon used by the genocidaires.

Silence kills.

And we are responsible for our personal silence.

Let us not be silent.

If Peace never begins, Genocide will never end.

One World.

One humanity.

One Human Race.

One.

• http://www.Savedarfur.org
• http://www.ajws.org/
• www.sudandivestment.org/
• Link
• http://www.standnow.org/

What Legacy Will You Leave?

Guys this is really special and really important. I just got this email and I am posting the entire thing to encourage you to make the films to support Darfur. The email is the following:

Dear Kenston Kids 4 Darfur,

I am writing on behalf of 24 Hours for Darfur, a grassroots video advocacy campaign dedicated to ending the genocide in Darfur. We specialize in using digital video and the internet to empower and mobilize people to speak out about Darfur. Detailed information is available in the attached Campaign Overview and on our website, www.24hoursfordarfur.org.

Our primary initiative is to collect thousands of personal video appeals from people all over the world. We will display these appeals on our site, send them directly to participants' political representatives, and edit them into 24 hours of rolling footage which we will screen at rallies in September at the US Congress and UN headquarters.

We are currently expanding our network of partners in order to attract new participants to the movement and to our campaign, and we would be delighted to collaborate with your organization. We are currently based in New York, but to make this a truly national - and international - movement, we're seeking partner organizations who can join us in the following:

1. Invite your members to create and upload video appeals to our website.

2. Place a link to 24hoursfordarfur.org on your website.

3. Host a film-in, either as a stand-alone event or in conjunction with a regular meeting. This would involve setting up a computer with a webcam, or bringing a video camera, and having members record their own video appeals.

4. Send out a volunteer videographer to collect video appeals in your community and post them on our site.

Please check out our website, www.24hoursfordarfur.org, and don't hesitate to contact me for further information or to be added to our low-volume mailing list.

To find out the what we have done in the past, what is going to happen in the future, or to get involved visit out Google Groups page at Link

Today at my school we hosted a seminar about Darfur. It was about three hours long and we attempted to educate the students in our school about the going ons in Darfur.

We opened up by introducing ourselves and the current situation is Darfur. We went through some pictures, explained militant groups and what's going on with the governments and the UN, gave a few testimonials, and answered questions. We then proceeded into smaller discussion groups where we asked question, answered questions, and gave some facts and interesting information about the people of Darfur.

Of course, you have the really ignorant people who fall asleep and really could careless. I don't know about you, but this makes me angry beyond belief. But one thing that really irks me is when people say "Well, there's people suffering in our own country, why don't we help them?" Why can't we help both? Why do we only have to donate to one person. But anyway, continuing on. The discussions went well and we told everyone that their homework was to tell their family and two friends about the situation.

I will continue to update about our progress as time goes on.

-Brittie

Call-In Day for Sen Jack Reed 1-800-GENOCIDE Wednesday May 2

      Wednesday, May 2nd is Call-In Day for Senator Jack Reed.  Call 1-800-GENOCIDE and tell him to move the legislative bill out of committee for Darfur and divestment and also to sponsor the bill.  We would like his Darfur support grade to be better than “C”.  The phone call will ask you who you want to talk to (this is a nation wide number) and ask you to press in your zip code.  Talking points will be provided before you speak with anyone.  Remember to thank Senator Reed for signing the Biden-Lugar letter to President Hu of China regarding Darfur.

May 2, 2007

Dear Person of Conscience,

We had a successful Newport Darfur Walk & Gathering Saturday, April 28.  As disappointed as I was that all three network news stations said we were either too far away from their Providence office, that they were typically under-staffed on weekends or…. to come to our event, we did get great coverage from The Newport Daily News in Monday’s paper on two pages, complete with two colored pictures. I loved the picture with all of the signs.  Incidentally the posters that were readable were so well-placed. And last Friday, they published my Darfur Letter to the Editor. 

I have retyped the entire Newport Daily News article, it can be found by clicking the title of this blog post.

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