On Monday, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) announced that he and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led a group bipartisan of senators in sending a letter to President Barack Obama. In the letter they expressed their “support for developing the necessary tools to successfully avert mass atrocities and prevent conditions that can lead to violence against innocent civilians.”

Senators Coons and Collins were joined by 27 of their colleagues, including Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Tom Udall (D-NM), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Carl Levin (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Al Franken (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mark Begich (D-AK), and Scott Brown (R-MA).

The text of the letter can be found here.

State Department Establishes Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations

On November 22, 2011 the State Department announced the launch of the new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO). According to the State Department, CSO “was established as a result of the first Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), which called for the new bureau to serve as the institutional locus for policy and operational solutions for crisis, conflict, and instability.”

CSO subsumes and expands upon the preexisting Office for the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization that has deployed to places like Sudan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This new bureau will continue to be an important tool supporting efforts to prevent and respond to genocide and other atrocities.

Presidential Study Directive Update

On August 4, 2011 the White House announced its Presidential Study Directive on Mass Atrocities. As part of the Directive, an Atrocities Prevention Board was created “to coordinate and institutionalize the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent and respond to potential atrocities and genocide.” United to End Genocide (known as Save Darfur/Genocide Intervention Network at the time) welcomed the announcement.

The directive was set to be completed within 100 days of the announcement, which would have been November 12. December 2 marks the date by which the Atrocities Prevention Board was scheduled to commence its work.

Battle Continues to Protect the International Affairs Budget

For the second time since the beginning of the month, Senate consideration of the International Affairs Budget has been delayed. The International Affairs Budget funds the diplomatic and development work of the United States. This funding saves lives in countries affected by conflict, works to prevent atrocities and supports international peacekeeping.

Although the International Affairs Budget was expected to be up for consideration last week, negotiations on the bill fell through before the November 18th deadline. Since funding was set to run out after the 18th, Congress passed a resolution to create a short-term extension and avoid a government shutdown. The new deadline is December 16th. After the Thanksgiving recess, the House and Senate will have three short weeks to pass the International Affairs Budget. There is ongoing concern about proposed cuts that would disproportionately target this critical funding.

Deadline Extended for Signatures on the Senate’s Genocide Prevention Letter

Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are circulating a letter to President Obama urging the Administration to develop the necessary tools to successfully avert mass atrocities and prevent the conditions that can lead to violence against civilians. The deadline for Senators to sign-on has been extended until November 29th. All members of the Senate are welcome to join. Urge your Senators to add their signature to this letter today. You can contact Senators by phone or send an email by clicking on the webform link. Your Senators should contact the office of either Senator Coons or Collins to sign-on.

Sample Script: As a constituent who cares about ending mass atrocities and genocide, I urge the Senator to sign-on to the Coons/Collins letter on genocide prevention. The letter urges the President Obama to develop the necessary tools to successfully avert mass atrocities. Please contact the office of either Senator Coons or Collins to sign-on. Thank you.

CNN Presidential Candidate Debate Tonight on Foreign Policy

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. (ET) this evening CNN will host a presidential debate from Washington, DC. The debate will cover foreign policy, as well as national security and the economy.

CNN is offering opportunities for Americans to join the conversation and ask questions live during the debate. You can participate via Twitter by using hashtag #CNNDebate, on Facebook and on CNN’s website. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about Sudan, Syria, Libya, the International Affairs Budget, genocide prevention and more.

Former Secretaries Powell and Albright (two of the five former secretaries that signed the letter)

In a letter organized by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, five former Secretaries of State called on Congress to support the International Affairs Budget. As it stands now, international affairs funding is at risk for deep and disproportionate cuts.

Signed by Secretaries Henry Kissinger (1973-1977), George Shultz (1982-1989), Madeleine Albright (1997-2001), Colin Powell (2001-2005) and Condoleezza Rice (2005-2009), the letter underscores the important role that international diplomacy and development play in advancing the interests of the United States.

As the letter states, “[international affairs] programs are critical to America’s global leadership and represent strategic investments in our nation’s security and prosperity.”

Read the entire letter and take action to help protect the International Affairs Budget.

Urge Your Senators to Sign-on

The letter will be open for additional signatures until November 17, 2011 and all members of the Senate are welcome to join. Urge your Senators to add their signature to this letter today. You can contact Senators by phone or send an email by clicking on the webform link. Your Senators should contact the office of either Senator Coons or Collins to sign-on.

Sample Script: As a constituent who cares about ending mass atrocities and genocide, I urge the Senator to sign-on to the Coons/Collins letter on genocide prevention. The letter urges President Obama to develop the necessary tools to successfully avert mass atrocities. Please contact the office of either Senator Coons or Collins to sign-on. Thank you.

About the Letter

The letter reiterates the principles of Senate Concurrent Resolution 71, which passed unanimously in December 2010. S.Con.Res. 71 urged the administration to conduct an interagency review to evaluate existing capacities for preventing, and responding to genocide and other mass atrocities.

The letter welcomes the recently-released Presidential Study Directive (PSD) 10, which created an Atrocities Prevention Board (APB), and underscored that preventing genocide and mass atrocities is in America’s national interest. Finally, it urges the Administration to establish coordinating mechanisms between Congress and the APB, and consider a whole of government approach to atrocities prevention.

Remember, the deadline for Senators to sign-on to this letter is Thursday, November 17.

After a week of remarkable gains, Libyan opposition forces are reported to control up to 95% of Tripoli. The city is Libya’s capital and one of Muammar al-Qaddafi’s former strongholds. With the end of the conflict in sight, the Libyan people celebrated across the country.

As of yesterday, two of Qaddafi’s sons had been captured, Saif al-Islam and Mohammed. However, the whereabouts of their father are still unknown. Meanwhile, fighting between the rebels and forces loyal to the Libyan leader continues in pockets around Tripoli.

Update: As of the evening of Monday, August 22 both Saif and Mohammed Qaddafi were free in Tripoli. It is believed that Mohammed escaped, but the circumstances around Saif’s freedom are less certain. It is possible that he may have escaped or that he was never in custody.

Civilian Protection Remains Critical

Earlier today the head of the National Transitional Council spoke to reporters expressing concern about revenge killings and the plight of civilians. He stated:

We face many challenges and we have many responsibilities. Beginning with healing the wounds and putting our hands in one anothers. All this in loyalty to the blood of our martyrs. And to the principles that this revolution was created for: creating safety, security, peace and prosperity. These principles can only be achieved through reconciliation, forbearance and tolerance.

The protection of civilians and the pursuit of justice through legal mechanisms will remain critical as the country moves toward peace. The international community should be recognized for taking action to authorize and implement “all necessary measures” to prevent a massacre of civilians in Benghazi and elsewhere. However, it cannot be forgotten that threats to the safety of civilians continue. All sides must live up to their responsibility to protect, including the forces of the National Transitional Council and NATO. The United States and international community must use every influence to ensure civilian protection in Libya during this volatile time.

Recognizing that ending genocide is a core national security interest–in addition to a core moral responsibility–the directive includes the creation a standing interagency Atrocities Prevention Board “with the authority to develop prevention strategies and to ensure that concerns are elevated for senior decision-making.”

Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network welcomes this important step by the Administration. Read our press release.

View the related Presidential Proclamation that suspends entry into the United States of certain persons who have engaged in serious human rights and other humanitarian law violations and other abuses.

Samantha Power

The White House is expected to release a statement on genocide prevention later this morning. Please join us today at noon for an off-the-record discussion with Samantha Power (confirmed) and David Pressman (likely) from the National Security Council to learn more about the President’s initiative on this important matter. GI-NET/SDC will host the call and our new President Tom Andrews will moderate.

Call Details
Date: Thursday, August 4, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Speakers: Samantha Power (confirmed) and David Pressman (likely)
Moderator: Tom Andrews, President of Save Darfur and GI-Net
Call in number: 712-432-0900
Access code: 154845#

Please note: Today’s call is off-the-record and not for attribution.

Human Rights Watch released a report yesterday calling on rebel forces to play an active role in civilian protection:

“The rebel forces should hold accountable anyone from their ranks responsible for looting, arson, and abuse of civilians in recently captured towns in western Libya”

Destruction in Libya

According to the report, rebel forces have been responsible for looting homes and shops, destroying property, and abusing civilians.  HRW emphasized the need for leaders to control rebel activity. Many civilians are fleeing their homes, fearing “reprisals from rebel forces,” adding to the growing number of internally displaced in Libya. Tensions over tribal resettlement by the Libyan government over the last few decades have resurfaced due to the instability.

The report documented violence occurring in three towns that until recently were being used as a base for attacks against rebel-held territory. Rebels were documented looting hospitals for medical supplies, and beating civilians suspected of aiding Gaddafi’s forces prior to the rebel takeover. As the rebels continue to gain territory and challenge the Gaddafi regime, their obligation to protect civilians and avoid human rights violations is not lost on the international community.

UN Ambassador Susan Rice in South Sudan

President Obama

The White House Released a statement on July 9 officially recognizing the Republic of South Sudan and expressing support the new state:

Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible…we know that southern Sudanese have claimed their sovereignty, and shown that neither their dignity nor their dream of self-determination can be denied.

As Southern Sudanese undertake the hard work of building their new country, the United States pledges our partnership as they seek the security, development and responsive governance that can fulfill their aspirations and respect their human rights.

In addition to U.S. support, President Obama emphasized the urgency of seeking a solution to current hostilities:

Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities.  The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented, the status of Abyei must be resolved through negotiations, and violence and intimidation in Southern Kordofan, especially by the Government of Sudan, must end.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

In an official statement released by the State Department, Secretary Clinton said:

The United States will remain a steadfast partner as South Sudan seeks to peacefully meet these challenges and build a free, democratic and inclusive society. The strong ties between our peoples go back many decades, and we are committed to continuing to build on the partnership we have already established in the years ahead.

Also on July 9, the Secretary authored an opinion piece in the Washington Post.  She wrote, in part:

[North and South Sudan] must quickly return to the negotiating table and seek to complete the unfinished business of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement That means settling outstanding questions related to finances, oil and citizenship; demarcating remaining border areas; and fully implementing their agreement on temporary arrangements for the contested Abyei area, which lies along the border of Sudan and South Sudan, including the redeployment of all Sudanese military forces. The violence that has flared in Abyei in recent months cannot be allowed to return and jeopardize the larger peace.

In the op-ed, she went on to say:

One urgent step both sides must take is agreeing to a cessation of hostilities in the northern border state of Southern Kordofan, which started in early June. We are deeply concerned about the continued aerial bombardments, harassment of U.N. staff and obstruction of humanitarian relief efforts. The longer this fighting goes on, the more difficult it will become to resolve.

UN Ambassador Susan Rice

On July 9^th US Ambassador to the UN gave a speech in Juba honoring this momentous occasion and the challenges ahead.  On the road to independence she said:

No citizen of South Sudan should ever take their independence for granted. You have waged a righteous struggle to win your liberty and chart your own course among the community of nations. Let that always serve as a reminder to lift up those who are denied their rights, those who hunger for freedom, and those who suffer in places where hope seems to be forgotten.

She also commented on the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement:

… But the Republic of South Sudan is being born amid great hopes—the hope that you will guarantee the rights of all citizens…be able to live in peace and justice with your neighbors, bind up the wounds of war, and work with the Government of Sudan to resolve swiftly and peacefully all outstanding issues in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

 

Moving forward, Ambassador Rice spoke about accountability and good governance in shaping South Sudan as a model for a successful African state:

All of this will demand leadership and accountability. For democracy and development rest on the foundation of good governance. Peace and prosperity rest on the foundation of strong institutions devoted to the public interest…South Sudan’s leaders, and the citizens who hold them accountable, now have the chance to create a state that stands out not for its flag or its currency but for the investments it makes in the development of its people.

 

Similar to comments made by the President and Secretary of State Clinton, Ambassador Rice reiterated America’s commitment to working to build lasting peace and prosperity in the region:

…know that the people of the Republic of South Sudan have a true and lasting friend and partner in the people of the United States of America as you work to strengthen the foundations of your democracy, promote human rights, and expand economic growth. Our support for the cause of peace for the Sudanese people has long been bipartisan and deep, and it will continue to be.

 
GI-NET/SDC also released a statement on South Sudan’s independence this weekend, and can be viewed here.  For more information on South Sudan, check out our blogs on what Congress and the human rights and humanitarian community have been saying as South Sudan embarks on its first days as a new state.

The rainy season brings new life and hope to this dry land.

Hope is trying to get a toe hold here as the people of South Sudan prepare to celebrate their independence from Sudan on Saturday July 9th.

It is early morning as I reflect on this juncture of our journey. The only sounds are neighboring roosters and clicking computer keys.

We arrived yesterday from Rwanda. The images of that beautiful and haunting country woke with me this morning and will forever be etched in my mind. I found myself repeatedly in awe of the remarkably beautiful “land of a thousand hills”. Our long drives in the Rwandan countryside provided endless opportunities to see one breathtaking vista after another. As Rwandans walked or cycled by, I struggled with how such beauty could have become the venue of such unspeakable horror.

The contrast haunted me. None more so than at the Murambi Genocide Memorial Exhibition, a three hour drive from Kigali in southern Rwanda. Vulnerable Tutsis were told that this local technical school would provide refuge. The local mayor assured them that Murambi would be a safe place for themselves and their families.

What they thought was safety became hell on earth. After holding off their attackers with sticks and stones, the 50,000 Tutsi men, women and children who had gathered at the technical school for protection were slaughtered by waves of attackers. The numbers are virtually impossible for me to grasp: 50,000 murdered as they desperately tried to escape or begged to be shot so that they could die quickly and avoid the slow agonizing death that followed being bludgeoned with a shovel or hoe. 50,000 murdered on the grounds and in the classrooms of a local technical school that stood amidst the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding hills and farms. 50,000 victims of an unfathomable horror. It is the same number of Rwandans who I joined at a stadium in Kigali the day before yesterday to celebrate their fourth of July or “Liberation Day”. 50,000.

The Murambi Genocide Exhibition is a brutally graphic and disturbing display of the truth of that day. Most of the victims are buried in large crypts on the Murambi grounds. 848 of them were covered in limestone and laid out in the classrooms where they died. The first limestone covered body I saw as I entered a classroom was that of a woman clutching a baby in her arms. In the adjoining classroom lay the body of a very young boy, his little hands and arms trying to cover his head. He could not have been much older than my young son Hooper is today.

As I stepped from the small classrooms and the smell of limestone and death, I was struck with sunlight, a cool breeze of fresh air and the sight of a family working on their small family farm. A young boy smiled and waved from the adjoining field. Hooper was never far from my mind as I continued to walk the grounds of Murambi.

Earlier that day I visited the Kigali Memorial Center where 259,000 genocide victims are buried. AND COUNTING. The latest funeral and burial had occurred the day before of a victim whose body had been only recently discovered following the confession of his killer. Additional burial space has been prepared for the victims that have yet to be discovered and buried. The local judicial hearings known as gacaca – from a long tradition of justice in Rwanda – continue to occur, unearthing new information and the locations of the bodies of yet more victims.

David Mugiraneza

Among the those buried at Kigali is David Mugiraneza, age 10. His picture is displayed on a wall in the children’s section of the Memorial Center. His favorite sport was football. He dreamed of one day becoming a doctor. He enjoyed making people laugh. His last words: “UNAMIR (the United Nations) will come for us.”

They didn’t. The United Nations, the United States, the world failed David and nearly one million of his fellow Rwandans. Their systematic murder was made possible by the willful ignorance of the world’s leaders – including our own – who refused to recognize and act on what had become a politically inconvenient development in a distant land.

It is for David and for all of the victims of genocide and mass atrocities that we take this journey. And, it is for all of the innocent men, women and children who today find themselves in the cross-hairs of the perpetrators of mass killing and genocide – including those who live in this remarkable part of the world – that we commit ourselves to this work. Their lives are literally in the balance.

Welcome to South Sudan where poverty, volatility and the threat of yet more mass violence co-mingle with a hope that has arrived with the rainy season and the birth of the world’s newest nation.