Please Join Us in Calling for the United Nations Security Council to Prevent Obstruction by the Government of Sudan and Fulfill its Responsibility to the People of Darfur
Satellite images document that the Government of Sudan (GoS) continues to target civilians in Darfur as grave crimes continue 8 years after the genocide began. Yet agencies of the United Nations, such as UNICEF, are prevented by the GoS from accessing Darfuri civilians in need of humanitarian aid and from publishing reports about conditions (such as child malnutrition) in Darfur, so the news does not get out. Just recently, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon reported 23 incidents during the 4th quarter of 2010 in which the GoS barred UNAMID, the peacekeeping force, access to conflict zones.
Why is the U.N. Security Council silent in the face of this obstruction of its responsibility to protect Darfuris. Where are the necessary reports? Where is the full and unfettered access to conflict zones? It is not a mystery that the GoS continues to commit genocide and other grave human rights violations with impunity since the multinational body authorized to impose adverse consequences for such violations has not done so.
Please join with U.S. activists and the Darfuri Diaspora over the next several weeks in a call for answers and an end to the United Nations’ lack of action on this unacceptable obstruction by the Government of Sudan.
Week Two Action:
1. Leave the following facebook message for Ambassador Rice:
The UN Security Council must take all actions necessary to (1) ensure unimpeded and prompt access to humanitarian aid workers in all areas of Darfur requiring assistance, (2) permit UN agencies to report to the public promptly and fully on conditions in Darfur, (3) allow UNAMID free access in accordance with all applicable agreements, (4) cause the arrest of all Sudanese for whom the ICC has issued warrants, and (5) to cause the GoS to cease committing crimes against Sudanese civilians.
2. Email UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon at inquiries@UN.org with the message above or, better yet, send a message in your own words.
3. Leave a message by phone with Ambassador Rice: 212-415-4050, any time:
This is [your name] calling from [city, state]. I’m calling to ask Ambassador Rice to take all actions necessary to (1) ensure unimpeded and prompt access to humanitarian aid workers in all areas of Darfur requiring assistance, (2) permit UN agencies to report to the public promptly and fully on conditions in Darfur, (3) allow UNAMID free access in accordance with all applicable agreements, (4) cause the arrest of all Sudanese for whom the ICC has issued warrants, and (5) to cause the GoS to cease committing crimes against Sudanese civilians.
UNSC take action to ensure full access to #Darfur & permit @UN agencies to report fully on conditions. @AmbassadorRice http://bit.ly/bZ0KpV
Week One Action:
In early November the Government of Sudan arrested 14 Darfuris working for HAND, which is a coalition of grassroots Darfuri organizations that publishes human rights monitoring reports on Darfur, and people working for Radio Dabanga, a Sudanese radio station registered in the Netherlands that broadcasts news on the conflict in Darfur. Ten of them were just released and were tortured according to their lawyer. Four of them are still detained.
Please do one or more of these easy actions to help ensure that the U.S. is not standing by silently:
1. Facebook: Cut and Paste (or write your won version) the following message for Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Rice and President Obama:
Four of the 14 Darfuri human rights activists and journalists arrested by the Government of Sudan are still detained and likely being tortured. Is the U.S. government working for their release? Will the U.S. government speak out on their behalf? Where are they now, (insert appropriate name: President Obama, Secretary, Clinton, Ambassador Rice)?
2. Phone: Call with this message on these three comment lines:
Secretary Clinton: 202-647-9572, any time
Ambassador Rice: 212-415-4050, any time
President Obama: 202-456-1111, Monday – Friday, 9-5 EST Suggested message:
This is [your name] calling from [city, state]. I’m calling to ask [Secretary Clinton- Ambassador Rice-President Obama] to speak out about the Darfuri human rights activists and journalists arrested by the Government of Sudan that are still detained and likely being tortured. Is the U.S. government working for their release? Where are they now, (insert appropriate name: President Obama, Secretary, Clinton, Ambassador Rice)?