Human Rights Groups Call on President Obama to Respond to ICC Arrest Warrant for Sudanese President

President Obama must state that acts threatening civilians, Sudanese human rights activists, aid workers or peacekeepers in Darfur will not be tolerated

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(Washington D.C.) 59 human rights groups today sent a letter to President Obama in response to the new arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, issued by the International Criminal Court.  The letter welcomes the warrant and calls on President Obama to clearly state that acts threatening civilians, Sudanese human rights activists, aid workers or peacekeepers in Darfur will not be tolerated.  Highlighting the troubling post-election rise in violence in Darfur, the letter calls for a reaffirmation by the Obama Administration of its support for previous warrants and intensified American diplomatic efforts to secure a Darfur peace agreement and implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the South.

Please find a copy of the letter at this link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/34321511

Mark Lotwis, Acting President, Save Darfur Coalition: “This letter highlights that the United States and broader international community must vigilantly monitor for any threats or acts of violence or other repression against civilians, Sudanese human rights activists, aid workers or peacekeepers.  While pushing for al-Bashir’s apprehension, the Obama administration must lead efforts to prevent a repeat of the merciless and cruel retaliation by the Khartoum regime last year.”

The letter will be delivered to a White House official at an event hosted by members of the Sudanese Diaspora.  The event marks two years since the July 14, 2008 International Criminal Court indicted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on several counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. Omar Al-Bashir remains a fugitive of justice while continuing to commit atrocities against the people of Sudan.

Wednesday July 14th, noon – 1:00 pm
Lafayette Park, in front of the White House

Sudanese community leaders will be available for comment on the recent arrest warrant for crimes of genocide, the deteriorating situation on the ground in Sudan, and the upcoming referendum for Southern Sudanese independence.

Jimmy Mulla, President of Voices for Sudan: “This rally demonstrates the will of the people in Sudan, the Diaspora, as well as activists in the U.S. It is important because the Sudanese people want justice and accountability for the crimes against humanity that were committed and are still ongoing in Sudan. The United Nations Security Council resolution building up to the two arrest warrants being issued shows that the legal process must be upheld and the international community must help justice prevail. Al- Bashir can either turn himself in or be arrested for the charges brought against him.”

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The Save Darfur Coalition is an alliance of more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations – raises public awareness about the ongoing crisis in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to promote peace throughout the Darfur region and all of Sudan. The coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Sudan. Please join the movement at www.SaveDarfur.org