In the last 10 days alone, Sudan’s notorious “security service” has conducted a wave of arrests of human rights activists, civil society leaders, student activists, and journalists.
The arrests, combined with reports in Darfur of aerial bombings of villages and water sources and a build up of armed forces, are disturbing reminders that without a high-level diplomat assigned to the region, Darfurians are tremendously vulnerable to human rights violations and attack.
On November 16, join us in a nationwide call-in to Secretary Clinton’s office. Tell her to immediately hire an ambassador-level diplomat for Darfur by calling 1-800-GENOCIDE – and get your friends and family to do the same.
Our goal: 1,000 calls to Secretary Clinton’s office on November 16.
When you call 1-800-GENOCIDE on November 16, you’ll be given talking points then connected directly to Secretary Clinton’s office.
At a time when the world is focusing on the January referenda on Southern Sudanese independence, Darfur must not fall off the agenda of policymakers around the world.
A high level U.S. diplomat dedicated exclusively for Darfur will make sure world leaders keep up the pressure on the regime in Khartoum and intransigent rebel groups during the time leading up to, during and after the referenda on the status of South Sudan and Abyei. It is critical that a diplomat is hired and in place as soon as possible to make sure we keep the spotlight on the crisis in Darfur.
Preferred candidates for the job will have:
- Experience as a high level diplomat
- Past participation in peace negotiations
- Expertise in civilian protection and conflict resolution in Africa
- Familiarity or experience working on Sudan issues
- Can start work immediately
Responsibilities should include:
- Keep the spotlight on Darfur in the media and with world leaders
- Support ceasefire negotiations between rebel groups and the government of Sudan
- Drive the Darfur peace process, making sure there is genuine participation by Darfur civil society
- Press the UN Security Council to fully equip, deploy and empower peacekeepers to protect civilians
- Push for unimpeded access for humanitarian relief
- Promoting justice and accountability in Darfur
On November 16, join people around the country in telling Secretary Clinton: it’s past time to hire a high-level Darfur Diplomat. Call 1-800-GENOCIDE and ask your friends and family to do the same.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: 1-800-GENOCIDE, Call-In, Clinton, Darfur, Darfur Diplomat
