Posts Tagged Activism

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SETF Holds “Free Syria” Rally

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Activists in Front of the White House, Copyright George Robert Newcomb

On July 23rd, the Syrian Emergency Task Force hosted a rally in front of the White House at Lafayette Park.  The purpose of the rally was to call on the United States government to support freedom, democracy and justice in Syria.  Since the Syrian Revolution in March, Assad’s security forces have killed over 1,700 innocent civilians as a means of suppressing peaceful protests.  Protestors denounced the Assad regime and called for free elections, a free press, and freedom of expression in Syria.  The keynote speaker was Award winning Syrian composer and pianist Malek Jandali who performed onstage.  The rally lasted for four hours and had a large turnout despite the unbearable heat.

 

Rally to Free Syria, Copyright George Robert Newcomb

 

The Syrian Emergency Task Force is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to convey the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people to the American public. The S.E.T.F. was created in order raise awareness in the United States of the continuing oppression in Syria.  As an organization dedicated to peace and justice, S.E.T.F. supports humanitarian organizations in their efforts to help the Syrian people and bring the crimes committed by the regime who engaged in killing, torturing, or detainment to a lawful settlement through legal and peaceful means.  Many of its members are first or second generation Syrians.  In May, the group filed a lawsuit in order to bring the horrific crimes which have occurred in Syria to trial.  The S.E.T.F. also has satellite groups in Illinois, California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York who are responsible for documenting Syrian testimony on crimes against humanity.

The organization consistently promotes action alerts.  Currently, they are asking all activists to contact the White House, the State Department, and members of Congress to support freedom in Syria.  They are calling on the Obama administration to:

  • Issue a strong condemnation of the ongoing massacres in Syria, specifically the escalation in Dier Ez-Zour and Hama
  • Pressure the UN Security Council to condemn the Syrian regime’s action
  • Refer Assad and others to the International Criminal Court to be tried for crimes against humanity
  • Lead a coalition of moderate Arab countries and European countries to increase pressure on the Assad regime to allow international media and human rights representatives into Syria.

S.E.T.F. encourages supporters to urge the State Department to support stronger measures against the Syrian regime, and to coordinate efforts to stop the regime from receiving economic assistant from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the State Department should take the lead in sending emergency food and medical supplies to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, and to request that Turkey provide full access to the Syrian refugee camps.  Lastly, they advocate that activists should contact their Congressional representatives to make a statement on the Senate and House floor condemning Assad’s regime for its brutality and demanding his removal from Syria today.

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For more information on how to get involved and support the Syrian Emergency Task Force, please visit their website: http://www.syrianemergencytaskforce.org/.

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Headlines from Sudan: July 26th

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Here is the daily roundup and summary of the major headlines coming out of Sudan. SDC/GI-NET does not necessarily support the views expressed in the articles in this post.

South Sudan militia deputy admits killing of his leader Gutluak- Sudan Tribune

  • The deputy commander of the South Sudan Liberation Army has admitted to killing leader Gatluak Gai. He asserted that Gai had commanded troops to ignore the ceasefire signed with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and instead cooperate with forces from the north to attack the south.

Another Sudanese journalist jailed on rape case charges- Sudan Tribune

  • Amal Habani, a female Sudanese journalist, was jailed today for writing against the alleged rape of Safia Ishaaq, a Sudanese activist, by security agents. The court sentenced Habani on charges of publishing false information and violating journalistic ethics. She chose a month in jail rather than pay the fine of 2,000 pounds (roughly 700 USD).

(more…)

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Lessons from Arab Spring: How Social Media Can Bring Social Change

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the world is reeling from the realization that Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and the blogosphere can be used to topple governments previously in power for decades. But how much credit is due to the social media itself, instead of the passionate activists connecting to each other and organizing their movements online?

The intricate relationship between the internet and activism was discussed by a series of experts on July 13, when the New America Foundation held a conference entitled “How to Ignite, or Quash, a Revolution in 140 Characters of Less: The Promise and Limitations of New Technologies in Spreading Democracy.” Although the conference focused on revolutionary activism, the conclusions reached by the panels apply to anyone who uses the internet as a way to generate social change.

Jubilant protestors thank the Facebook Youth of Egypt in this picture, tweeted by NBC’s chief news correspondent Richard Engle

The Distinction Between Facebook and Facebook Youth

After the fall of Hosni Mubarak, N.B.C.’s chief news correspondent Richard Engel tweeted a photo of joyous Egyptian activists holding up a sign written entirely in Arabic except for the word “Facebook.”  Rebecca MacKinnon, Senior Schwartz Fellow at the New America Foundation and the co-founder of Global Voices Online, pointed out that the media’s translation of the sign as “Thank you Facebook” left out a crucial part of the message.  “Thank you Facebook youth of Egypt” is the complete translation of the sign. The distinction between Facebook and Facebook youth, MacKinnon explained, is central to understanding the role that social media has played in revolutions across the Arab world. Although the youth were able to organize themselves via Facebook and other websites, the ultimate action of taking to the streets was what generated the change that they sought.

Similarly, panelist Ahmed Al Omran, a blogger from Saudi Arabia who runs Saudijeans.org, recounted the story of Saudi women who used Facebook to organize an effort to begin driving. Approximately one hundred women corresponded online for two months, after which they all broke social norms and drove. The women did not only use the internet for organizational purposes, but also uploaded pictures, videos, and messages showing them driving to encourage other women to do the same.   Connecting via Facebook when they could not meet in person gave the women a forum to plan coordinated action.  Like the Facebook youth in Egypt, however, the women ultimately took their plans from the cyber world to the real world, and that was the true action of change.

Protestors confront government forces in Syria

Social Media Doesn’t Create Voices, It Amplifies Them

Oula Alrifai, a Syrian youth activist, spoke about the importance of social media in informing the international community about what takes place under oppressive regimes. Because the sparse internet and phone connections in Syria are largely monitored by the state, activists risk their lives to cross Syrian borders into Jordan and Lebanon to upload videos of government soldiers firing on protestors. Oula explained that without Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook, the world would know much less about the Syrian government’s actions against its own people.

In the repressive state of Cuba, blogger Yoani Sanchez uses the internet as a way to tell her story to the outside world. Translated into a multitude of languages and read around the world, her blog at desdecuba.com provides a window into the realities of life in Cuba. Although she has been forbidden to travel by the Cuban government, Yoani says that her voice can travel the globe through her blog.

What Does That Mean for Me?

Activists fortunate enough not to live under repressive regimes can still learn valuable lessons from the experiences of Aula, Omar, Yoani, and the Facebook youth of Egypt. Their stories show that internet is a tool unrivaled in its ability to bring like-minded people together, spread information, and provide an open forum to debate controversial opinions. Just as women in Saudi Arabia used social media to organize an effort to gain the right to drive, activists can use the internet as a way to connect and circulate petitions or organize events. By updating a Facebook status or retweeting breaking news, any citizen can help spread awareness of atrocities around the globe. But despite the power of bringing people together online, taking action from the cyber world into the real world is still the surest way of generating social change.

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International Justice Day

Monday, July 18th, 2011

The ICC celebrates International Justice Day (Photo from ICC)

Sunday, July 17th, was celebrated as International Justice Day, an occasion to reiterate the call for accountability for mass atrocities and human rights abuses. The date commemorates July 17th, 1998, when the Rome Statute was adopted as the basis for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC recognizes this day as a time of celebration, reflection, and action, calling for people to:

  • CELEBRATE the achievements in the field of international criminal justice.
  • REFLECT on the plight of the countless innocent civilians, millions of children, women and men who still continue to be the victims of unimaginable atrocities in different parts of the world.
  • ACT! Declare your support for the international criminal justice system.
    Tell your friends about it. Let this day inspire and reinvigorate us.

These goals are particularly relevant for pursuing justice in Sudan:

  • We celebrate the arrest warrants that the ICC issued for President Omar al-Bashir in 2009 for war crimes and crimes against humanity and in 2010 for genocide in Darfur. But al-Bashir remains in power in Sudan and ICC member states continue to invite him to their countries without arresting him, a critical obstacle to achieving justice for the crimes he has perpetrated.
  • We reflect on the ongoing violence in Darfur and in South Kordofan and the civilian victims for whom justice must be pursued.
  • We must act to ensure that justice is achieved in Sudan. This means supporting cooperation with the ICC to ensure that the individuals responsible for mass atrocities, including al-Bashir, are held accountable. Additionally, we can encourage the United Nations to investigate and publicly report on the human rights violations in Abyei and South Kordofan.

Unfortunately, progress on justice in Sudan has been slow, which is why it is important to continue advocating for accountability. Justice is essential for achieving long term peace, so in addition to calling for an end to the violence, it is critical to hold those responsible accountable. You can support our efforts for justice in Sudan by taking a look at our exciting upcoming events, including the hunger strike from noon on July 22nd to noon on July 23rd and the Rally for Peace in Sudan on July 23rd.

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Action: In Less Than 3 Minutes You Can Help Support Civilian Protection in South Sudan

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Pressure France and the UK to Ensure Effective Protection for Civilians

The United Nations Security Council is voting this week to establish a new peacekeeping mission in the soon-to-be independent Republic of South Sudan. With more than 1,800 deaths due to rebel and tribal violence throughout South Sudan so far this year, the need for a peacekeeping force that is capable of protecting civilians is great.

The current draft of the resolution authorizing the new United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) includes a Chapter 7 mandate, which equips the UN Mission with the power to take measures to maintain peace. A report issued by the Secretary General in June recommends a peacekeeping force of 7,000.  However, we’re hearing reports that France and the United Kingdom are seeking to cut the number to around 3,000-4,000 troops. Without the recommended 7,000 troops the peacekeeping mission will not be able to effectively engage in civilian protection activities.

Take Action Today

Your help is needed to put pressure on France and the United Kingdom to authorize 7,000 troops for UNMISS under the Chapter 7 mandate.  You can help by contacting the French and British Missions to the UN now! Contact information is included below. You can choose whichever method of outreach works best for you.

Sample message: I’m an American citizen concerned about civilian protection in South Sudan. I’m contacting you to encourage your country to support the authorization of 7,000 troops for the new peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

UN peacekeepers in Sudan. (Photo: Albert Gonzalez Farran / UNAMID)

French Mission to the UN
Call: (212) 702-4900
Email: france@franceonu.org
Twitter: @franceonu

UK Mission to the UN
Call: (212) 745-9200
Email: UK@UN.int
Twitter: @UKUN_NewYork

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Megan Wanee: My Experience at Bonnaroo

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

This blog has been cross-posted from Citizens for Global Solutions

A booth at Bonnaroo

At music and art festivals you can strike up a conversation with virtually anyone. From a grassroots perspective, such an environment is perfect for discussing global issues because people are open to new ideas. It’s not uncommon for people to seek ways in which they can better the world and spread that peace, love, and happiness they experience at a festival like Bonnaroo.

Though I live only an hour away from Manchester, TN, where Bonnaroo is held, this was my first Bonnaroo experience. I have, however, years of experience with tabling and approaching people about political issues, especially genocide prevention, which was a central campaign talked about at the Citizens for Global Solutions’ (CGS) booth this year. As I expected, most people were hesitant to stop and give out their email to a non-profit organization. Yet, when they heard that Citizens for Global Solutions supports human rights and genocide prevention, they responded, “oh YEAH! Of course!” We found many festival-goers to be willing to give us their contact information, expressing a keen interest in our subject matter and a heartfelt thanks for our work. Only a few people had never heard of the term genocide at Bonnaroo; I was impressed to find that the majority of festival-goers were educated on the topic. I received plenty of specific questions from passersby about how Citizens for Global Solutions works to make genocide prevention effective.

From genocidal situations ranging from Armenian annihilation to deaths in Darfur, the United States has a history in which it is hesitant to take action. Part of the problem is the lack of constituents’ political will; many people think, “Aw, that’s terrible that those people across the world are being killed. But what does it matter to me, really? What can we really do?” Another component is the absence of mechanisms that exist in order to prevent crises and allow for the international community to respond quickly to mass atrocities. It is important for Americans to learn that there are a variety of tools that can be used, with military intervention as a last resort, for the prevention of genocide. This understanding is precisely what CGS sought to impart to Bonnaroo festival-goers. Some of my favorite conversations included discussions about different genocides and the role the United States can take to effectively protect civilians. I had one extensive conversation with a guy that started with the recent international intervention in Libya and ended with greater respect for each other’s ideas and the revelation that we were graduates of the same university. These were some of my favorite discussions at Bonnaroo: discussions that led to a greater sense of empowerment and forged connections between festival-goers.

The hardest part of genocide prevention activism is getting people to actually take tangible action beyond acknowledging the moral issues at stake. Fortunately, many passerbys were excited about CGS and spoke about how they would eagerly expect our action alert emails! Others, more skeptical about email inflow, may delete what we send. But the option is there, and the tools will be in their hands. From talking to people, I learned that festival-goers come from all over the United States and Canada. CGS is building a far-reaching constituency that supports human rights and decries atrocities; and thanks to Bonnaroo we were able to extend our constituency base.

What a rewarding first Bonnaroo experience! I had the opportunity to work with an intelligent and fun team of people, which festival-goers recognized and valued. They saw how we liked to joke and enjoy ourselves, and positively commented on our knowledge of the issues we were canvassing for, such as genocide prevention.  We represented a cause that I personally have a connection to, and enjoy discussing. The only true foes we faced included the heat and dust! Even that didn’t bring us down, however, as we whipped out the cold juice pops and spray bottles to entice people to stop by our booth and hear what we have to say. We were never forceful, but passionate.

Our passion was matched by that of our neighbors, be it our friends next door with the Gulf Restoration Network, who worked hard on a petition concerning the Gulf Coast BP oil spill, or our zealous neighbors at the mud hut with their hula hoops. Everyone at Bonnaroo brought a spirit of passion and open-mindedness to the festival, for both advocacy issues and music, making it a fantastic forum for the exchange of ideas.

Megan Wannee

 

 

Megan Wanee was the President of the STAND Chapter at the University of Tennessee and was a Citizens for Global Solutions volunteer at the Bonnaroo music festival.

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Bring Guisma Home: Host a Home-Viewing and Action Party

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

This blog has been cross-posted from Stop Genocide Now- Bring Guisma Home.

“Don’t you just want to bring them home?” I’m often asked that when people see pictures and videos of me with children in the Darfuri refugee camps.  I do bring them home with me, in so many ways.  They are what keep me going every day in this often-depressing work.  As any father would say, I love them all, but Guisma has a special place in my heart, and now you have a chance to Bring Guisma Home.

Bring Guisma Home

Bring Guisma Home is a campaign to have people learn, teach, and act — for peace, protection, and justice for Guisma and all the people of Darfur.  You simply provide your home and a home-cooked meal to your friends and family for a night.  We send you a DVD and action pack.  By hosting a viewing and action party, you will be a part of a large network — a community — that will reach across the oceans, from continent to continent, and connect with people that feel abandoned.

When I first met Guisma a few years ago, she immediately caught my attention, with her beautiful eyes, her squeezable cheeks, and her unending giggles.  I really did want to bring her home with me!  Visiting Adef and Achta, Guisma’s parents, is always a joy, but is also sad.  I vividly remember when, a year after I met the family, I visited them and gave them some pictures we took from the visit before. Their smiles turned serious.  Adef pointed to one of the pictures and showed it to Achta, and he kept staring at that image.  It was a photo of the family, with Achta holding their little baby, Marymouda, who was about a year old.  Our translator told me that the little girl had passed.  I felt like I was punched in the gut and didn’t know exactly what to say.  They had told me of how one of their sons had died during their escape from Darfur, and now beautiful Marymouda had died from illness.

You can see Guisma’s entire story during your home gathering.  I promise you that it will be sad, but I also promise that you will be energized and inspired by the strength and resilience of Guisma, her family, and all of her people.  One more promise: I will tell Guisma and her family personally about your participation in their community.  Thank you for being a part of it.

Click here to Bring Guisma Home by hosting your own viewing and action party.

Gabriel Stauring

 

Gabriel Stauring is the Co-founder and Director of StopGenocideNow.org. Some of the campaigns initiated and/or led by Gabriel include the 100-Day Fast for Darfur, 100,000 postcards to legislators, Darfur Freedom Summer Vigils, Camp Darfur, Darfur Fast for Life, and i-ACT, Sudan Sham Elections, and This is Darfur among many other grassroots actions and presentations.

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“I Can Make Such a Difference in So Many Lives, So Far Away”

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

In a recent Connecticut Post article, 2011 Carl Wilkens Fellow Cynthia Davis explained her perspective on the powerful impact that she can have by empowering women affected by genocide. “I have come to realize what one person can do, which is why this has been so life-changing for me,” she said. “I can make a difference in so many lives, so far away.”

Cynthia Davis works on a canvas in her home studio as part of her Sudan Canvas Project. Photo: Brian A. Pounds | Connecticut Post

Her belief that one person can change the lives of many others guided Davis to found the Sudan Canvas Project, which uses art as a way to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan while generating funds to provide trade education to women in South Sudan. In one of the project’s current initiatives, artists from across Connecticut are creating works inspired by the lives of Sudanese women and Sudan in general. The art is due October 15th and will be featured in an exhibition and then auctioned off at the Fairfield Arts Center on November 15th; the proceeds from the event will go towards the project.

Davis’ commitment to improving the lives of Sudanese women led to her selection as a member of the Carl Wilkens Fellowship class of 2011. The Carl Wilkens Fellowship is designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the fight to end genocide. It is named in honor of Carl Wilkens, the only American who chose to remain in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide and is credited with saving hundreds of lives. Davis’ spirit of service is in harmony with the theme of the program: ordinary individuals can make an extraordinary difference when they choose to engage.

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Darfuri UNAMID Staffer in Danger

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Hawa Abdullah Mohammed, a UNAMID staff member and Darfuri IDP, is being detained incommunicado in Khartoum, where she is at risk for torture.

She and her family fled their village near Tawila in Darfur when it was bombed by planes and attacked by Janjaweed militia on horses and camels and in vehicles in March 2003, shortly after the conflict began.

Since then, Hawa Abdullah, her parents, and nine siblings have been living at the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people in El Fasher. She was able to study English at the University of El Fasher, and she now works for UNAMID as a language assistant and community activist, focusing on gender issues.

In 2009, Hawa Abdullah was detained for six days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, and she was seriously injured by security authorities during interrogations.

On May 6th 2011, Hawa Abudllah was again arrested by armed officers from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). Initially she was held in El Fasher and ten days later she was moved to Khartoum, where she is still being held. Since her arrest she has not been charged with a recognizable criminal offence and has been prevented from contacting her family or a lawyer.

The government- affiliated Sudanese Media Center (SMC) news agency accused her of trying to convert children to Christianity and of being affiliated with the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement faction led by Abdel Wahid. A photo of her has been shown on the SMC website, and she looks fatigued and bruised, indicators of ill-treatment.

The NISS has arrested and tortured many Darfuri activists in the past months for protesting living conditions and insecurity in Darfur. International human rights organizations are calling for an immediate stop to the harassment and intimidation of aid workers and activists in Sudan, who are essential to delivering humanitarian assistance and building peace.

Activists at the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition (PDEC) have been working hard to bring Hawa’s plight to the attention of the United States government.  PDEC has worked with Congressman Mike Doyle, Senator Robert Casey, and members of the Pittsburgh City Council to ask Secretary of State Clinton to work towards Ms. Abdullah’s quick release.  For more information on the actions PDEC is taking to help free Ms. Abdullah, visit their website at www.pittsburghdarfur.org.

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A Season of Prayer for Sudan

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

From now until July 9, faith-based organizations are asking groups and individuals to join in a “Season of Prayer for Sudan.” July 9 marks the date when South Sudan will become its own nation, after nearly 99% of South Sudanese citizens voted to secede in a referendum held earlier this year.

Numerous religious groups have joined in the call for prayer, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Peace Program and Presbyterian Ministry at the UN, the Chico Peace and Justice Center, the Church Mission Society and the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Leaders of these groups have encouraged their congregations to pray for a stable transition for the new nation.

St. Teresa's Cathedral, Juba. (Photo: Simon Roughneen)

Organizers of the season of prayer ask that communities join in prayer for thirty minutes every Friday until July 9. If you are unable to participate at that time, they suggest praying whenever you can, in any manner you are comfortable with.

Before the referendum was held, the Church of Sudan was involved in promoting a similar campaign called “101 Days of Prayer for a Peaceful Referendum in Sudan”. In response to fears that violence would break out after the vote, the Church encouraged groups to gather and pray. Inspired by the success of this event, the Church has coordinated another season of hope and prayer.

Please join the Season of Prayer for Sudan and ask your congregation and community to do the same.  As South Sudan transitions to independence amid increasing violence, international attention on the new nation is as important as ever.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this Season of Prayer, please contact us.

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