Save Darfur
The church is taking action on the crisis in Darfur. On May 11,
2007, Community of Christ endorsed the
Unity
Statement of the Save
Darfur Coalition, officially applying to join and making a donation.
Membership was granted June 18, adding the voice of the Community of Christ to
the voices of
over 170 faith-based, advocacy and humanitarian organizations representing 130
million people united to help the people of Darfur.
Rod Downing (recipient of the Community of Christ 2007 International Human
Rights Award) has posted
an article that
provides an in-depth analysis of the complex factors involved in Darfur, with
clear strategies for a hopeful future in Darfur.
His e-mail newsletter, “In the Forefront” includes some
helpful links for further information and opportunities to make a difference. To
subscribe, email
Rod
Downing with “In the Forefront: Subscribe” in the subject line.
The following is an excerpt from the
December 30, 2011
Human Rights
newsletter:
DARFUR & SUDAN – WHAT KIND OF FUTURE?
The conflict in Darfur has been going on for almost nine years now. For those new to this newsletter Darfur was selected as our longitudinal focus – you can read the reasons for that choice at: http://untilall.org/uwaa-105.htm. As mentioned last month both Darfur and Sudan in general have slipped below the media’s radar for some time, even though atrocities continue. The most notable change since last month was that the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) – Kahlil Ibrahim – was killed on December 24. As with most rebel leaders he was no angel, having reportedly fought briefly in Libya for Gaddafi. But because JEM had become the most powerful rebel group and a successor to him is unlikely to command the same influence, this has the potential to shift the power dynamics and not likely in a positive way.
It does however reinforce the need for the international community to recalibrate its policy and focus as was mentioned last month. In fact the one action for this month is actually a repeat from last month. It has been extended due to these changing dynamics as well as the continued bombing and clashes by the Sudanese government on its southern border. So if you didn’t take the action last month, due to its very tight time frame, please consider taking the action now.
Specifically you can add your voice for a revised U.S. policy by signing the following petition. The petition arose after 62 members of Congress sent a letter to US President Obama, asking him to recalibrate the US policy on Darfur and Sudan. As noted last month, with Sudan’s debt and other financial problems, there is definite leverage possible:
Sign petition (if you did not last month):
http://www.stopbashir.org/
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