Day 6 - Journalists Covering Violence Against Women in Sudan

In the past six years, coverage of the genocide in Darfur and the violence against women endemic in the region has trickled to a halt. As other issues have taken the spotlight, from healthcare to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, it can feel as though the conflict in Darfur has all but faded from public memory. However, in the midst of this, there have been daring journalists, from the United States, within Sudan and internationally, who have worked to cover the Darfur conflict and share stories from the region with the world. In recognition of the power of these stories, the Sudanese government has worked vigorously to create obstacles for journalists – ranging from refusing them access to the country to intimidation to detention and interrogation. After several newspapers accused the Sudanese government of backing an unsuccessful coup in Chad, in February 2008, the already-pervasive censorship of the press within Sudan became even more aggressive. The March ICC arrest warrant pushed censorship to a new height.

Despite these restrictions and the dangers of reportage, news from the ground continues to trickle through – due to the diligent work of the journalists we honor today. In the U.S. media market, there are many who have traveled to the region repeatedly – sometimes stationed in Sudan for long periods of time – and have urged the international community to take action to halt the genocidal violence, provide services to women who have been raped, and to create secure conditions wherein they are able to return to their homes. For the Sudanese government, the IDP and refugee camps have served not only as a means of weakening, dispiriting and paralyzing their targeted communities, they have also worked to isolate the voices which can bear witness to the brutal attacks inflicted upon them. Despite imposing restrictions and censorship on in-country and blocking access for international journalists, the Sudanese government has failed to keep these people from speaking and their stories from being reported. Despite many media markets’ deep attention to quotidian happenings – from politicans’ latest wardrobe choices to the YouTube video du jour – these journalists have fought to get their stories covered. They have recognized that the suffering in Darfur – and particularly the demobilization of women – is too important not to fight for.

For diligently and consistently re-drawing media and public attention to the conflict in Darfur and the scourge of sexual violence in the region, we are proud to recognize the journalists who have covered violence against women in Sudan.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, telling them about the 16 Days and the sexual violence taking place in Sudan and urging others in your community to get involved.