On Wednesday, March 11, in a letter signed by 54 coalition partners, the Save Darfur Coalition implored President Obama to take a stand against President Bashir’s decision to expel 13 international humanitarian aid groups from Sudan.
With this action, the Sudanese government is denying 4.7 million Darfuri citizens of their last remaining lifeline. The U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance estimates that this action will leave more than one million Darfuri people without access to potable water and food aid and 1.5 million without access to healthcare. “The denial of life-saving food, water and medical care in Darfur is a human rights violation that endangers health and threatens lives,” said Frank Donaghue, CEO of Physicians for Human Rights.
The letter urges President Obama to take diplomatic action to resolve the ongoing crisis in Darfur. President Obama, “along with other world leaders, must immediately and publicly condemn President Bashir’s actions and insist that he restore access to life-saving humanitarian aid.”
This letter, which was brought up at the daily press briefing, shows the coalition’s dedication to the people of Darfur and stresses the importance, now more than ever, of facilitating an end to this conflict and bringing peace back to Darfur and all of Sudan.
Organizations and activists across the country are doing their part to show their outrage.
In Los Angeles people are “right now sitting next to a tent outside of the Federal building in Los Angeles. It is 2:08am. We are staying here and more will come tomorrow and throughout the weekend and in to this coming week.” i-ACT highlights what led up to this course of action and how people will continue to help, despite the challenges that come their way.
The Enough Project highlights views from the Sudan Tribune in their blog about NGO expulsion and the repercussions this has on the “North-South political dynamics in Sudan.”
Amnesty International asks people to take action by sending letters or faxes because “without the food, water, and medicine provided by these aid groups, millions of vulnerable men, women, and children in Darfur and throughout Sudan face starvation and disease.”
The Religious Action Center is also encouraging people to take steps just by making a phone call.
Groups all over the country are uniting for this cause, and for good reason. Please do your part to act now for Darfur.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
rob.beasley@live.com says:
It’s not Mr. Obama’s responsibility. Although his support would help. Support your president and he will lead you well. Otherwise you will harm him by your demands and then blame him when fails to meet the heavy expectations you place on him.
This is a good man. Give him the respect he deserves.
The issue and the focus of your attention should be the UN.
The UN has a moral obligation because they gave the ICC it’s authority to intervene in Darfur. This intervention lead to the Arrest Warrant for Bashir.
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sgsm9797.doc.htm
The UN Must act immediately and decisively to do what ever it takes to protect the people of Darfur. And Hopefully arrest this leader in the process. No man is above the law.
Peace for all by law now.