Monday, August 27, 2007

Welcome to this issue from the “In The Forefront” mailing list.  To subscribe, email Rod Downing with “In the Forefront: Subscribe” in the subject line.  

This email is divided into two sections: firstly, the latest updates and actions on Darfur; secondly, a list of two other actions: to protect Pacific wild salmon; and (US-only) to pass the UN’s Law of the Sea.

 

A. LATEST DARFUR UPDATE AND ACTIONS

After months of little development, this summer has witnessed an explosion of fresh initiatives regarding Darfur, most of which were mentioned in the previous email.  A month has now passed and I have significantly updated my web link on Darfur, giving further background, and have extensively updated the status, analysis and strategies sections.  See www.UntilAll.org/Darfur.htm.

 

1. DARFUR:  SEND MESSAGE TO CHINA TO CONTINUE DARFUR EFFORTS:

Continuing from last month’s actions, this initiative from Save Darfur Coalition is directed at China itself, as it prepares for the 2008 Olympics.  Please remember that this has had some of the strongest leverage during the whole Darfur crisis.

Again, to be clear, this is NOT a call for a boycott of the Olympics, but a simple clear message that unless they expend their complete influence on Sudan, the world will remember the 2008 Olympics as the “Genocide Olympics” and not as an ennobling signature of a maturing international player. 

Take Action:

   http://ga6.org/campaign/china_olympics

In addition, a “Dream for Darfur” Olympic Torch Relay has started and will continue through the year.  To find out if it will be in your area, check the following link:

Darfur Olympic Torch Relay Locations:

   http://www.savedarfur.org/page/content/torchrun

 

2. DARFUR:  MARK SEPT 16 AS NEXT GLOBAL DAY FOR DARFUR

These global protests are a highly needed part of the process of applying pressure – they send clear signals to China and Sudan that people around the globe notice.  It also gives added weight to all those working behind the scenes to help resolve the issues.  Check below for actions in your area; if there are none, try planning your own event – it can be as simple as showing a movie or a candlelight vigil with a few readings at a church or community center.  Just make sure you let the organizers know – the more known locations, the bigger the impact.  Contact: www.savedarfur.org.

Day for Darfur Locations (hopefully complete by Sept 7):

   http://www.globefordarfur.org/events.html

 

B.  STOP OPEN NET-CAGE FARMED SALMON:

Fish stocks are being threatened world-wide.  In my province of British Columbia, Canada, there have been strong recommendations to stop open net-cage farmed salmon.  Because these cages are in the ocean water, escaping fish can threaten the wild stock.  As well, there are problems of sea lice, disposal of waste, potentially higher toxin levels, as well as threats to sea lions and seals.  The only viable method of farmed salmon is to use a closed containment system.  These recommendations, coming from a special study committee, have been ignored by Premier Campbell.  You can send an editable Fax to him, below, which also contains more background information:

Take Action (Open to all countries; enter 99999 for zip code if your code doesn’t work):

Write to BC Premier

 

C.  US ONLY: TELL SENATE TO PASS “THE LAW OF THE SEA”

The UN Convention on Law of the Sea was created to help manage the oceans.  It has been passed by 152 nations.  Most organizations, industries, and even President Bush support it.  But it is stalled in the Senate.  You can call Senator Biden, who is responsible for its movement, to push it forward.

Take Action (require a phone call):

  http://globalsolutions.org/action/help_us_pass_law_sea (link has expired)

 

In appreciation and support,

  Rod Downing