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| May 30, 2009 |
Sorry but this is the reality.
This is what an explosive device can do to a child's body. This is what remains of a hip and leg.
Where are the weapons coming from?
China???
Do we have any responsibility to protect innocents?
If you conclude that we do, please call 1-800 GENOCIDE- Tell our leaders it is unacceptable that this has been going on for 6 years. Darfur's people need peace, protection and justice.
Bakit is only seven
Bakit is one of the countless innocent victims of the violence that is convulsing Darfur and eastern Chad. Where are these weapons coming from? The unexploded ordnances that tore Bakit's arms off and have just yesterday killed another child and severed the legs of yet another, were strewn about after (Khartoum backed) rebels fought their way through the Goz Beida area on their way to attack Ndjamena, Chad's capital. Are these weapons of Chinese origin? Are they being purchased with Chinese oil revenues?
Even after a year, Bakit's wounds continually become infected
Bakit
I too would like to know!
The point is, Khartoum is now conducting bombing raids on sovereign Chadian territory. The refugees are defenseless and unable to leave the camp which is situated deep in the desert. For obvious security reasons, aid workers have been unable to reach the camp.
Incidentally, the camp is not far from Chadian President idris Deby's home village. The refugees at Oure Cassoni camp are mostly Zaghawa -the same tribe as Deby.
| May 29, 2009 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Executives and staff of the Enough Project at the Center for American Progress have joined in the Darfur Fast for Life fasting chain begun by actress/activist Mia Farrow to call attention to the continuing suffering of the people of Sudan. Enough staff and leadership join more than 500 people in 33 countries who have fasted for one day or more, consuming only water or the 1,000 calories-per-day rations that are fed to residents of refugee camps.
“The Darfur Fast for Life is a powerful message that the situation on the ground in Sudan remains simply unacceptable and demands a much stronger response from our political leaders than we have seen to date,” said Enough Project Executive Director John Norris.
Since the Darfur Fast for Life project began on April 27, it has attracted members of Congress including the Congressional Black Caucus and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL); prominent philanthropists and entrepreneurs including film producer Abigail Disney, Sir Richard Branson of Virgin America, and Pam Omidyar of Humanity United; and nonprofit leaders including Jane Wales of the World Affairs Council and Ruth Messinger of the American Jewish World Service. Individuals from the music world have joined, including singers Peter Gabriel and Jon Foreman and record producer David Hodges, along with a three-time Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, Josh Davis.
Enough Project Adviser Omer Ismail noted, “The commitment of people from 33 different countries to the fast is remarkable, and demonstrates the tremendous grassroots support for a comprehensive solution not just to Darfur, but Sudan’s multiple conflicts.”
Darfur Fast for Life is asking the Obama administration to ensure the return of 13 humanitarian aid agencies that were expelled from Sudan on March 5, following the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The group’s website, www.fastdarfur.org, also directs visitors to an April 30 letter to President Barack Obama from the Enough Project, the Save Darfur Coalition, and the Genocide Intervention Network containing detailed policy and strategic recommendations. The letter, President Obama and Sudan: A Blueprint for Peace, asks for commencement of a formal Darfur peace process; full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the governments of southern Sudan and Khartoum; and negotiations leading to agreements for peace in Chad and eastern Sudan.
Enough’s Co-founder John Prendergast, who was an early participant in the fast in addition to joining this weekend’s fast, noted that “as activists, we must, of course, press our government do everything it can to address these crises of the day. But we must also keep our eyes on the longer-term prize: a peaceful, democratic Sudan. That should be President Obama’s top priority and his administration should work assiduously to achieve that objective.”
Earlier this month, Ms. Farrow met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who released a statement saying, “As the administration and our special envoy develop a new policy, we must consider how we can get Khartoum to change its behavior.”
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus appeared with Ms. Farrow in a press conference to announce that they were joining the fast with the “hope that our fasting will compel decision makers to act more decisively to put an end to the suffering of millions of innocent men, women and children in Darfur. We must do all we can until the violence, suffering, and displacement have ended,” said Representative Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), a board member of the caucus, at a Capitol Hill news conference.
The CBC’s chair, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), added that while “the president is very focused on addressing the genocide in Darfur, … we want to make sure that Special Representative Gration [has] the type of tools and assistance that is required to address this humanitarian crisis that is of enormous proportions, one which we have not seen in many of our lifetimes."
“Perhaps most importantly,” said Ms. Omidyar in a blog about her fast, “the United States must shed the failed policies of the status quo and begin anew in leading a coordinated and comprehensive international effort to build a roadmap for sustainable peace in Sudan. This process must include Sudan’s key economic and political partners, including China, Russia, and Egypt. The U.N. Security Council, meanwhile, must strengthen the Sudan sanctions committee, focus on better enforcement of the arms embargo, and begin to hold accountable those responsible for violating the sanctions regime. Until the international community shows better coordination on Sudan policy, progress is unlikely to be made.”
Visit the Enough Project’s blog, Enough Said, for updates on this issue.
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The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe that Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure that our national policies reflect these values. Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on crises in Sudan, Chad, eastern Congo, northern Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Enough’s strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a “3P” crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. Enough works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises.
| May 25, 2009 |
He is going into Government.
| May 21, 2009 |
Remarks on Darfur
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I met briefly this week with the actress and activist Mia Farrow, who has dedicated so much time lately – and even put her own health at risk – to raise awareness of the atrocities in Darfur.
Like Ms. Farrow, my good friend Pam Omidyar – the Founder and Chair of the Board of Humanity United – has also fasted for more than a month in solidarity with the Darfurian refugees.
Mia Farrow and Pam Omidyar enjoy liberty and wealth. They do not need to do this. But through their actions, they both so generously speak for those the world ignores.
The terrible situation in Darfur deteriorates with each passing day. But we don’t hear much about it. It has long since faded from the front pages in the face of everything else going on in our economy and the two wars we wage in the Middle East.
We cannot ignore this crisis. The United States has officially and appropriately recognized that what is happening in Darfur is genocide. For the more than 2.4 million people who have been displaced against their will, we cannot look the other way and cannot stand idly by.
Most of the people of Darfur depend on international aid to survive day-to-day. The United Nations has agreed to send 26,000 peacekeepers to Darfur, but they face an uphill fight – they have struggled to get the resources they need to ensure the safety of those who live in Darfur and to end this crisis.
Making matters worse, when the International Criminal Court recently issued a warrant to arrest the President of Sudan – President Bashir – for war crimes and crimes against humanity, he responded by expelling 13 non-governmental organizations that had been distributing food and medicine to the people in Darfur.
Because of its economic investments, China has unique leverage with Sudan. It is important that China uses that influence to help the people of Darfur.
I appreciate the work of Major General Jonathan Scott Gration – the President’s special envoy to Sudan – but we must do more to put Darfur at the forefront of our foreign-policy agenda. And we must be clear about our objectives.
The Sudanese government has repeatedly proven untrustworthy at the negotiating table. As the administration and our special envoy develop a new policy, we must consider how we can get Khartoum to change its behavior.
There have been too many people in too many camps for too many years – and the world has been silent for far too long.
We have no excuse do anything short of all we can do to ensure aid groups are on the ground in Darfur, and that they can do their jobs – to ensure a political process is in place, and that it can work – and to help save the lives of millions.
| May 20, 2009 |
Voice of America - USA
By Dan Robinson Members of the US Congress are urging President Obama to take further steps to address the situation in Darfur. Lawmakers joined Darfur
| May 19, 2009 |
<http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hg6HCztDklnL1xQbFZQeZbo79jewD989EOJO1>
The Associated Press
"Among President Obama's priorities, Darfur has to take its place," Farrow, 64, told reporters on the Capitol campus, just after
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Darfuri voices were heard today- in our nations Capitol
Once again,the Congresional Black Caucus led by Congressman Donald Payne STEPPED UP !!!Several members of the CBC spoke, some had even been to Darfur. Some had been arrested last month -protesting outside the Sudanese Embassy.
The sun was shining and the sky was clear blue. The press conference was held on the steps of the Cannon Terrace Hill-on Independence Avenue- with the Capitol buildings behind us. Congressman Payne,who has long participated in non-violent protests, has been honorably arrested three times. He read out the names of those who will fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur and as a symbol of their committment to end the suffering and slaughter of innocents. I had the great privilege of standing with the Caucus, which included John Lewis, my long-time hero !!
Darfuris, Omer Ismael and Mohammed Yahya spoke wonderfully and movingly about Darfuri's need for justice. We did not bring them peace, protection or an end to their misery -but we did support justice through the ICC. Both men said they represent Darfuris in the millions who would rather die than forfeit justice.
That my (very personal) decision to fast has led to such a moment in DC is more meaningful than I can say. I can't quite believe it.
Earlier I met with Senator Harry Reid. He promised to bring up Darfur in the Senate. He wanted to know what could be DONE. The vagueries of "more" and "priority" really don't fly. So I said, ' China' and our need to support the ICC ( this is the time for a change ) He took notes. His chief of staff seemed really on-board!
US Envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration is leaving for Beijing tomorrrow. He should bring the message that China has a constructive role to play- not only in getting the aid agencies back into Darfur with unrestricted access to populations, but in the vigorous pursuit of a legitimate and , comprehensive peace process; also in reconsidering China's arms sales to Khartoum. The US gov holds key cards but China has the full deck.
Darfur remains a stain on Beijing's reputation as a preeminent emerging power. They should use their considerable influence to bring about an end to the anguish that currently defines Darfur-- and by extension, them.
Since my first trip to Darfur in 2004, countless people have told me their stories of terror and pain and loss. They hoped I would return to my country and tell 'the world' what they have endured and what they are facing still. And they always express the hope that if the world only knew what is happening in Darfur, surely someday, someone will care enough to save them.
Over and over again I have promised them I would do my utmost to tell 'the world' what is happening in Darfur. And I have tried. Every day I try- but their suffering continues. Rations of hope are now more meager in Darfur than rations of food.
But today, on the steps of one of our nation's greatest buildings, in the company of some of our most powerful and respected leaders, Darfuri voices were heard.
I am at the airport heading home. I will sleep soundly tonight. Tomorrow we must try harder.
"A stain on our souls"
2007, then-candidate Barack Obama said: "When you see a genocide, whether it's in Rwanda or Bosnia or in Darfur, that's a stain on all of us," he said. "That's a stain on our souls."And one from him as a junior Senator at the big DC rally in 2006:
"Today we know what is right, and today we know what is wrong. The slaughter of innocents is wrong. Two million people driven from their homes is wrong. Women gang raped while gathering firewood is wrong. And silence, acquiescence and paralysis in the face of genocide is wrong."
| May 15, 2009 |
| May 14, 2009 |
It is my hope that our fasting will compel decision makers to act more decisively to put an end to the suffering of millions of innocent men, women and children in Darfur. We must do all we can until the violence, suffering, and displacement have ended.
| May 13, 2009 |
Reuters -
Sudan's armed forces have been bombing around the town of Umm Baru, in North Darfur
| May 11, 2009 |
| May 10, 2009 |
He is:
Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and he
has long been involved with Sudan..
Congressman Payne's biography, from his Congress webpage: http://www.house.gov/payne/biography.shtml
| May 9, 2009 |
New York Times Blogs - New York,NY,USA
One of the truly hopeful signs recently for Sudan was "Mandate Darfur," the effort to get Sudanese civil society from Darfur to talk together in Addis Ababa ...
| May 8, 2009 |
When beginning this fast twelve days ago, I said that when I could go no longer, I hoped another would take my place, and another, and another, until the expelled humanitarian agencies are readmitted and finally there there is finally justice and peace for the people of Darfur. Richard Branson has stepped forward and so I have ended this fast.
202-456-1414
People have been saying they cannot get through to the White House because the line is always busy. Try 202-456-1414.Our message is we are waiting for the President to make good on his campaign promises to help end the suffering in Darfur. With the expelled aid agencies having reducing aid capacity by 50%, we hope he will act urgently.
| May 7, 2009 |
| May 6, 2009 |
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/>
I did the Larry King show last night with the wonderful Mohammed Yahya. He conveyed the realities on the ground-far more powerfully than I could. He had just spoken to his mother in Darfur. She told him that the Government of Sudan continues to bomb villages- and the bombings are followed by janjaweed attacks. The expulsion of the aid agencies is unspeakably horrible but even if they were readmitted (which they wont be) -a return to the status quo is unacceptable. Shame on Egypt, Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Qatar for receiving Omar Al-Bashir, a genocidal thug wanted by the ICC for the murder rapes, pillaging and forced displacement of millions of his own people. Shame on the world for permitting this to unfold before our eyes.
Strangely I am feeling fine. I realize we don’t need to eat every day. And we certainly don’t need 3 meals a day. I feel so well that I’m bored. I cant really go out. I was told not to do the stairs (but I do anyway)
So please
Email President Barack Obama <http://www.emailthepresident.com/>
Contact US Government <http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/>
| May 5, 2009 |
Refugee camps
The photo below is of a refugee camp for Darfuris. When their villages were attacked, many perished, many were raped and mutilated. Two and a half million fled into camps such as this where they are barely surviving. The camps have been attacked by the Sudanese army and by their proxy murderers, the Janjaweed.These traumatized, vulnerable and courageous survivors have been sustained by humanitarian aid workers. When 16 aid agencies were expelled by the genocidal Sudanese president (who is wanted by the ICC), the capacity to provide essentials was halved, leaving more than a million people without food, water and medical assistance. Disease has always stalked the camps but now the situation could not be more desperate .
Look carefully at this photo and ask yourself how long you could live in such a place. They have been there for 5 years. They are there now, waiting for help.
Day 9
Www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
Comment line 202-456-1111
And never think your voice won't count. The government considers that every single call represents 10,000 people (voters).
The late Sen. Paul Simon said, of the Rwandan genocide-if just 100 people from each district had called or written, our government would have taken action to prevent the slaughter in Rwanda.
| May 3, 2009 |
Kalma Camp population 90,000
What will happen to this child when there is no water?
Refugee child getting water for her family
Oxfam installs and maintains water-point-
Although Oxfam/Great Britain, which had been doing a lot of the work has been expelled, Oxfam/USA is still in Darfur. If you are able to offer any support they are at http://www.oxfamamerica.org/
A doctor will be coming to visit me tomorrow-thanks to my concerned friends. But no doctor will be there for at least a million people in Darfur. There will be an end to this for me- but not for them.
Some people are interested in what it feels like to be without food for 7 days. At this point I don't think about food. I am weaker and I am mostly in bed. I am clear minded. I sleep less. I have increasingly less tolerance for TV although last night I watched Schindler's List all the way through and I couldn't stop crying. I am more emotional. I listen to music- mostly Bach and Mahler-the slow movements only. I read when I am able to. After rereading Siddhartha I am now halfway through Autobiography of a Yogi. Next will be Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore.
Alongside my bed is a large window through which I can see the sky, a lake, trees, birds, and at dusk the deer. I am at peace and busy with my thoughts
| May 2, 2009 |
Mohammed Yahya has committed to fast " in solidarity with Darfuri refugees who are suffering now due to shortage of food, medicine, shelter, water and security because Al-bashir has expelled over 16 aid organizations from Darfur."
Dear Mia Farrow,
I just wanted to thank you so much for your noble initiative on behalf of people of Darfur.
your fast and hunger strike were inspired all of us. Therefore, I have decided to share with you these great moments and fast with you to support Darfur.
God bless you.
Mohammed
I find I am needing less sleep. Hunger and headaches have gone. I feel clear-minded and somewhat emotional. Also spiritual. Except for the visits with my family, there is nothing but my thoughts. I do have a TV in my room and sometimes I watch it but more and more I feel inclined to read, meditate and pray.
| May 1, 2009 |
People have asked how my children feel about my fasting for such a long time. Initially they were worried and opposed to it but I have been successful in assuring them I will end the fast if anything goes wrong. They phone me every day and they support me. One of my sons, Fletcher lives next door with his little daughter and wife Gillian who is one of my closest friends. They are here for me.
My 17-year-old son Isaiah is at a nearby boarding school. This is part of an email from his teacher and advisor. " A couple of days ago, Isaiah announced (in a very mature and professional manner) that he was going to join you for one day on a hunger strike to bring attention to Darfur. As promised, he went for 24 hours without eating, and he did it very stoically. " I texted him to say how proud I am, and he texted back something so wonderful;"I am even more proud of you. You inspire me and I did it for the people of Darfur."
I am a very proud and fortunate mother.