For Immediate Release
June 17, 2009
Contact: Ann Brown, 202-556-2106
Nanda Chitre, 202-481-8245
Mame Anna-Brown, 202-481-8220 x 309
DARFUR ADVOCACY GROUPS URGE ADMINISTRATION TO UNVEIL SUDAN PLAN
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a State Department briefing today Special Envoy to Sudan Major General Scott Gration referred to the situation in Darfur as the “remnants of genocide,” and suggested that humanitarian aid to Darfur had been restored to almost the same level as before the government of Sudan expelled 13 aid agencies. In response, the Save Darfur Coalition, Enough Project and Genocide Intervention Network issued the following statement.
“President Obama and Ambassador Rice recently labeled the situation in Darfur as an ongoing genocide, and it is troubling that key players in the administration are not singing from the same song sheet with regard to this fundamental issue,” said Save Darfur Coalition President Jerry Fowler. “The real questions are whether the Darfuri people are in crisis and whether lives are hanging in the balance. The answer to each of those questions is an unequivocal ‘yes.’ It is past time for the administration to speak with one voice on Sudan and unveil its plan to help bring peace and security to the country.”
“The administration’s Sudan policy needs to be judged by the facts on the ground. With millions of people still unable to return to their homes in Darfur, President Bashir still wanted for war crimes and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement fraying badly, it is clear that much more needs to be done,” said Enough Project Executive Director, John Norris.
"The challenges facing Special Envoy Gration are large and many. The world is looking to the United States to lead. President Obama must become involved in a more direct way if the international community is to succeed in reinforcing peace and protecting civilians in Sudan," said Genocide Intervention Network Executive Director, Sam Bell”
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About the coalition: The Save Darfur Coalition – an alliance of more than 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations – raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. The coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the coalition, please visit www.SaveDarfur.org.
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.
About Genocide Intervention Network – Genocide Intervention Network is working to build the first permanent anti-genocide constituency, mobilizing the political will to stop genocide when it occurs. Accessible online at www.GenocideIntervention.net, Genocide Intervention Network empowers individuals with the tools to stop genocide.