It's been about 7 months since I've last updated my blog! I've decided that I need to start writing again regularly! So since I started this blog last June to write about the genocide in Darfur -- I thought I'd give you all an update on the humanitarian crises there. Unfortunately, almost a year later the situation has not gotten much better and the Janjaweed continue to rape, kill and destroy thousands of lives.April 30, 2006 was the Rally to End Genocide in Darfur (If you look really closely at the pink spray paint in the picture -- you can even see me! haha). Located on the Mall in Washington DC -- this event was HUGE. Up to 75,000 people were present calling for the US and the world to step in and actually STOP the genocide. President Bush and several Senators have taken a big stand in calling for peace in Darfur -- which we're all thankful for. However, these words have not been followed through with results.
There are STILL not UN peacekeepers in Darfur, and the perpetrators are still being "allowed" to continue their violence because there is no one stopping them -- not the Sudanese government, not an international body, NOONE. The only protection for the Darfurians is by the African Union troops -- and they work in desperate conditions to try and protect. But the large size of Darfur means that every AU peacekeeper essentially patrols an area the size of Manhatten! This is obviously inadequate to protect lives.The recent peace agreement between the government of Sudan and one of the largest rebel groups is a good step. But it doesn't end the conflict immediately and on the ground, the Darfurians do not see any immediate changes. So we can't just think everything will get better on its own.
So what can we do? We can PRAY, ACT and GIVE. Churches, schools, and organizations are all raising their voices together to give voice to the Darfurians who cannot come here themselves and tell of the atrocities happening in their camps and villages.
- PRAY for peace, security, and hope for the millions of displaced Darfurians. PRAY that they will be able to return to their homes and resume their lives SOON.
- WRITE a letter to President Bush stating your concerns: www.millionvoicesfordarfur.org.
- SPEAK out on what is happening. Put pressure on your elected officials to keep pressing for a UN peacekeeping mission to begin immediately. Call for your state officials to divest any money from Sudanese corporations. Raise awareness in your church. Keep up to date on what is happening in Darfur -- so you can have intelligent, well-informed conversations.
- GIVE: to a humanitarian organization that is helping the Darfurians who have been displaced due to violence. Of course I recommend World Relief, where our Disaster Response department (where I work) is responding. Visit: www.wr.org.
