Sunday, December 07, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Aanklager Strafhof richt pijlen op rebellen Darfur
DEN HAAG - Aanklager Luis Moreno-Ocampo van het Internationale Strafhof in Den Haag wil rebellen vervolgen die in september 2007 betrokken waren bij een aanval op soldaten van de Afrikaanse vredesmacht in de Sudanese regio Darfour. Volgende week dient hij arrestatieverzoeken in, verklaarde hij vrijdag.
Het is voor het eerst dat de aanklager zijn pijlen richt op de rebellen in Darfour. Hij heeft al aangekondigd de Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir en een van diens ministers te willen vervolgen, evenals de leider van de door de regering gesteunde Arabische janjaweed-militie.
Moreno-Ocampo zei dat zijn derde onderzoek in Sudan een rebellenaanval op een kamp van de vredesmacht van de Afrikaanse Unie in Haskanita betreft. Bij die aanval, op 29 september 2007, kwamen tien soldaten van de AU om het leven. Eén wordt nog vermist.Lees meer>>>>>>>>
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sudanese overheid dreigt activiteiten Artsen zonder Grenzen in Zuid-Darfur te schorsen
Kortgeleden hebben functionarissen van de Sudanese overheid aangegeven dat de overheid mogelijk de activiteiten van Artsen zonder Grenzen in de regio Zuid-Darfur zal schorsen.
Eerder dit jaar, in februari, heeft Artsen zonder Grenzen (Nederland) een overeenkomst getekend met de staat van Zuid-Darfur voor het uitvoeren van medische activiteiten gedurende 2008. De overeenkomst is gebaseerd op de behoefte aan medische zorg van de lokale bevolking en van gevluchte Darfurianen in Zuid-Darfur.
De overeenkomst werd naar Khartoem, de zetel van de Sudanese regering, gestuurd voor bekrachtiging op nationaal niveau. Daarop heeft Artsen zonder Grenzen maandenlang getracht de benodigde handtekeningen van de Sudanese overheid te verkrijgen. Tot op heden is dit echter niet gelukt. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>
Eerder dit jaar, in februari, heeft Artsen zonder Grenzen (Nederland) een overeenkomst getekend met de staat van Zuid-Darfur voor het uitvoeren van medische activiteiten gedurende 2008. De overeenkomst is gebaseerd op de behoefte aan medische zorg van de lokale bevolking en van gevluchte Darfurianen in Zuid-Darfur.
De overeenkomst werd naar Khartoem, de zetel van de Sudanese regering, gestuurd voor bekrachtiging op nationaal niveau. Daarop heeft Artsen zonder Grenzen maandenlang getracht de benodigde handtekeningen van de Sudanese overheid te verkrijgen. Tot op heden is dit echter niet gelukt. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, November 06, 2008
De duivelskinderen van Darfur
REPORTAGE, Van onze verslaggeefster Natalie Righton
gepubliceerd op 23 oktober 2008 02:45, bijgewerkt op 23:28
OURE CASSONI, TSJAAD - Duizenden vrouwen in Darfur zijn verkracht. Hun baby’s worden gezien als kinderen van de duivel. Niemand wil ze.
‘Als ik naar mijn kindje kijk, zie ik de ogen van mijn verkrachters soms weer voor me. Drie jaar geleden vluchtte ik voor het geweld uit Darfur richting Tsjaad. Onderweg werd ik aangevallen en meerdere malen verkracht door vier mannen van de Janjaweed. Het was een ervaring uit de hel. Ze hielden een mes tegen mijn keel, weet u, ik kon geen kant op. Een van die mannen heeft mij zwanger gemaakt.’
Ajaba Abdalla Neen (25) vertelt haar verhaal in haar hutje van stro en leem in Oure Cassoni, een vluchtelingenkamp met 32 duizend wanhopige Noord-Darfurianen die de grens van Tsjaad zijn overgestoken. De woestijnwind raast door het kamp.
Vrouwen wachten uren bij de waterpomp en lopen daarna met een jerrycan op het hoofd door de brandende zon terug naar hun tukuls – ronde woningen. Ajaba zit in haar ‘woonkamer’ in het zand. De tweejarige Yusuf scharrelt om haar heen als zijn moeder over zijn verwekking vertelt.
Ajaba is een van de naar schatting 200 tot 300 vrouwen in Oure Cassoni die bruut zijn verkracht door Janjaweed, door Darfurianen ook wel ‘duivels te paard’ genoemd. De Janjaweed zijn Arabische nomadenstammen die met steun van de Soedanese overheid jacht maken op de voornamelijk zwarte boerenbevolking van Darfur. Mannen worden afgeslacht, vrouwen verkracht.
Hoeveel baby’s zijn voortgekomen uit de verkrachtingen is onbekend. Uit schaamte praten vrouwen er nauwelijks over. In Oure Cassoni schatten sociaal werkers dat het om tientallen baby’s gaat.
De zogenoemde Janjaweed-baby’s worden met de nek aangekeken in de Soedanese gemeenschap. Evenals de vrouwen. ‘Mensen zeggen misschien niks in mijn gezicht, maar ik voel hoe ze naar ons kijken. In hun ogen zie ik minachting,’ zegt Ajaba. ‘Kinderen zijn nog gemener. Als Yusuf buiten speelt, duwen andere kinderen hem weg.’ Ajaba houdt Yusuf daarom zoveel mogelijk binnen.
De schaamte en afschuw over het krijgen van een kind van de vijand is zo groot, dat niet alle door de Janjaweed verwekte baby’s blijven leven. Soms worden ze direct na de geboorte gedood door hun moeder. De baby’s worden door de Soedanese gemeenschap gezien als kinderen van de duivel. Niemand wil ze zien of horen. Velen verdwijnen spoorloos.
Ook Fatima (27) werd op 23-jarige leeftijd verkracht door vier mannen, die zij beschrijft als Janjaweed. Fatima doodde het kindje, zeggen familieleden.
‘Haar man is vermoord door dezelfde mannen die haar verkrachtten', vertelt een familielid dat anoniem wil blijven. Hij vond de dode baby van Fatima in een plastic zak in de latrine van het kamp.
Fatima ontkent de geboorte van het kind niet, maar wel de dood. Trots laat ze een driejarig meisje zien dat haar dochtertje zou zijn. ‘Verwekt door mijn man, net voordat de Arabieren hem hebben vermoord’, zegt ze. In werkelijkheid is het ‘dochtertje’ een buurmeisje.
‘Ons geloof verbiedt een kind te doden, dus houdt Fatima tegenover buitenstaanders vol dat het nog leeft. Maar iedereen weet dat het niet zo is,’ zegt het familielid.
‘Ik schat dat een op de drie baby’s geboren uit verkrachting door de Janjaweed wordt gedood door de moeder,’ zegt sociaal werker Khartoum Ismail Achmed.
‘Zoiets gaat in het geheim. Meestal verstikken en begraven de vrouwen de baby. Daarna wordt er nooit meer over gesproken. Het kind is van de ene op de andere dag spoorloos verdwenen.’
Van Janjaweed-baby’s die wel blijven leven, is de toekomst onzeker. Naar school kunnen ze wel, maar daar blijven ze vermoedelijk een buitenbeentje. Trouwen binnen de stam – zoals het hoort volgens de Soedanese cultuur – zal onmogelijk zijn. ‘Mensen vrezen dat als de kinderen ouder worden, ze net zo duivels zullen zijn als hun vaders en zich tegen de Darfurianen keren,’ zegt Awad Nahar, eveneens sociaal werker.
Ook al is de afkomst van de Janjaweed-baby’s voor buitenstaanders niet altijd duidelijk, Soedanezen kunnen het verschil van een afstand zien. Nahar: ‘Een baby van een Arabier pikken we er zo uit. Je ziet het aan de gelaatstrekken.’
Ajaba droomt nog vaak over de dag dat ze verkracht werd, zegt ze met emotieloze blik. ‘Maar ondanks alles hou ik van mijn kind.’ Ze geeft Yusuf een aai over zijn bol en veegt een snottebel weg.
gepubliceerd op 23 oktober 2008 02:45, bijgewerkt op 23:28
OURE CASSONI, TSJAAD - Duizenden vrouwen in Darfur zijn verkracht. Hun baby’s worden gezien als kinderen van de duivel. Niemand wil ze.
‘Als ik naar mijn kindje kijk, zie ik de ogen van mijn verkrachters soms weer voor me. Drie jaar geleden vluchtte ik voor het geweld uit Darfur richting Tsjaad. Onderweg werd ik aangevallen en meerdere malen verkracht door vier mannen van de Janjaweed. Het was een ervaring uit de hel. Ze hielden een mes tegen mijn keel, weet u, ik kon geen kant op. Een van die mannen heeft mij zwanger gemaakt.’
Ajaba Abdalla Neen (25) vertelt haar verhaal in haar hutje van stro en leem in Oure Cassoni, een vluchtelingenkamp met 32 duizend wanhopige Noord-Darfurianen die de grens van Tsjaad zijn overgestoken. De woestijnwind raast door het kamp.
Vrouwen wachten uren bij de waterpomp en lopen daarna met een jerrycan op het hoofd door de brandende zon terug naar hun tukuls – ronde woningen. Ajaba zit in haar ‘woonkamer’ in het zand. De tweejarige Yusuf scharrelt om haar heen als zijn moeder over zijn verwekking vertelt.
Ajaba is een van de naar schatting 200 tot 300 vrouwen in Oure Cassoni die bruut zijn verkracht door Janjaweed, door Darfurianen ook wel ‘duivels te paard’ genoemd. De Janjaweed zijn Arabische nomadenstammen die met steun van de Soedanese overheid jacht maken op de voornamelijk zwarte boerenbevolking van Darfur. Mannen worden afgeslacht, vrouwen verkracht.
Hoeveel baby’s zijn voortgekomen uit de verkrachtingen is onbekend. Uit schaamte praten vrouwen er nauwelijks over. In Oure Cassoni schatten sociaal werkers dat het om tientallen baby’s gaat.
De zogenoemde Janjaweed-baby’s worden met de nek aangekeken in de Soedanese gemeenschap. Evenals de vrouwen. ‘Mensen zeggen misschien niks in mijn gezicht, maar ik voel hoe ze naar ons kijken. In hun ogen zie ik minachting,’ zegt Ajaba. ‘Kinderen zijn nog gemener. Als Yusuf buiten speelt, duwen andere kinderen hem weg.’ Ajaba houdt Yusuf daarom zoveel mogelijk binnen.
De schaamte en afschuw over het krijgen van een kind van de vijand is zo groot, dat niet alle door de Janjaweed verwekte baby’s blijven leven. Soms worden ze direct na de geboorte gedood door hun moeder. De baby’s worden door de Soedanese gemeenschap gezien als kinderen van de duivel. Niemand wil ze zien of horen. Velen verdwijnen spoorloos.
Ook Fatima (27) werd op 23-jarige leeftijd verkracht door vier mannen, die zij beschrijft als Janjaweed. Fatima doodde het kindje, zeggen familieleden.
‘Haar man is vermoord door dezelfde mannen die haar verkrachtten', vertelt een familielid dat anoniem wil blijven. Hij vond de dode baby van Fatima in een plastic zak in de latrine van het kamp.
Fatima ontkent de geboorte van het kind niet, maar wel de dood. Trots laat ze een driejarig meisje zien dat haar dochtertje zou zijn. ‘Verwekt door mijn man, net voordat de Arabieren hem hebben vermoord’, zegt ze. In werkelijkheid is het ‘dochtertje’ een buurmeisje.
‘Ons geloof verbiedt een kind te doden, dus houdt Fatima tegenover buitenstaanders vol dat het nog leeft. Maar iedereen weet dat het niet zo is,’ zegt het familielid.
‘Ik schat dat een op de drie baby’s geboren uit verkrachting door de Janjaweed wordt gedood door de moeder,’ zegt sociaal werker Khartoum Ismail Achmed.
‘Zoiets gaat in het geheim. Meestal verstikken en begraven de vrouwen de baby. Daarna wordt er nooit meer over gesproken. Het kind is van de ene op de andere dag spoorloos verdwenen.’
Van Janjaweed-baby’s die wel blijven leven, is de toekomst onzeker. Naar school kunnen ze wel, maar daar blijven ze vermoedelijk een buitenbeentje. Trouwen binnen de stam – zoals het hoort volgens de Soedanese cultuur – zal onmogelijk zijn. ‘Mensen vrezen dat als de kinderen ouder worden, ze net zo duivels zullen zijn als hun vaders en zich tegen de Darfurianen keren,’ zegt Awad Nahar, eveneens sociaal werker.
Ook al is de afkomst van de Janjaweed-baby’s voor buitenstaanders niet altijd duidelijk, Soedanezen kunnen het verschil van een afstand zien. Nahar: ‘Een baby van een Arabier pikken we er zo uit. Je ziet het aan de gelaatstrekken.’
Ajaba droomt nog vaak over de dag dat ze verkracht werd, zegt ze met emotieloze blik. ‘Maar ondanks alles hou ik van mijn kind.’ Ze geeft Yusuf een aai over zijn bol en veegt een snottebel weg.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Darfur, Minn. meets Darfur, Sundan
Last Saturday I was traveling in Watonwan County in southwestern Minnesota and passed through Darfur. Probably many of you have heard of this little town, population 137.I think many of you have also heard of Darfur, Sudan. It’s been in the news a lot. This Darfur has been experiencing some tragic times. Since open warfare broke out in 2003, it’s been reported that 300,000 people have died.
It is estimated that more than 2.6 million civilians have lost their homes in the conflict. Villages have been bombed and burned and the survivors have been forced to flee, It struck me as very odd that these two very different places would share the same names. Is there any connection? Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The arrest of Sudan’s Bashir should proceed
The request from the International Criminal Court prosecutor for an arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s president, caused much hand-wringing by diplomats and others who say the search for justice will derail peace negotiations or endanger humanitarian relief workers. Fearing that the crisis in Darfur will worsen if the prosecutor is allowed to proceed, they have launched an ill-considered campaign at the United Nations Security Council to delay the court’s proceedings, perhaps for a year. The very nations that created the ICC appear to be afraid to let it do its work. A vote for deferral might come as early as next month.
For me, this is familiar terrain. When Radovan Karadzic and General Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb leaders, were indicted by the Yugoslav tribunal in July 1995 for orchestrating atrocities in Bosnia, the media and many diplomats lamented that we would be unable to negotiate peace for Bosnia. Less than five months later, an agreement was reached in Dayton to end the war.
What had seemed an insurmountable obstacle turned out to be an unexpected opportunity. Before the indictments, we had already decided to marginalise Gen Mladic and Mr Karadzic and force Slobodan Milosevic, the Serbian president, to take full responsibility for the war. Our negotiating team met them only once – in a hunting villa just outside Belgrade in September 1995 – but only with a prior understanding that Mr Milosevic would be responsible for their conduct, and only to lift the three-year siege of Sarajevo, which we accomplished that night. Later, when Mr Milosevic insisted that to achieve peace the two men had to participate in negotiations, I offered to arrest them personally if they set foot in the US. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>
For me, this is familiar terrain. When Radovan Karadzic and General Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb leaders, were indicted by the Yugoslav tribunal in July 1995 for orchestrating atrocities in Bosnia, the media and many diplomats lamented that we would be unable to negotiate peace for Bosnia. Less than five months later, an agreement was reached in Dayton to end the war.
What had seemed an insurmountable obstacle turned out to be an unexpected opportunity. Before the indictments, we had already decided to marginalise Gen Mladic and Mr Karadzic and force Slobodan Milosevic, the Serbian president, to take full responsibility for the war. Our negotiating team met them only once – in a hunting villa just outside Belgrade in September 1995 – but only with a prior understanding that Mr Milosevic would be responsible for their conduct, and only to lift the three-year siege of Sarajevo, which we accomplished that night. Later, when Mr Milosevic insisted that to achieve peace the two men had to participate in negotiations, I offered to arrest them personally if they set foot in the US. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>
UN rights body renews job of Sudan investigator
GENEVA, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday renewed the mandate of its specialist on the Sudan for six months despite charges from Khartoum that she was working with the West to besmirch the country's image.
Diplomats said the consensus decision among the body's 47 members was part of a compromise between mainly European states and Islamic and African nations that softened EU-proposed criticism of the Sudanese government's rights record.
Sima Samar, formally the Council's special rapporteur, had angered Khartoum and its allies with a strongly worded report this month contradicting Sudanese assertions that the rights situation was improving, and saying it was in fact grim.
She said government and rebels were killing civilians in Darfur and accused Khartoum's forces of launching deadly ground and air attacks in the region, the scene of 5 years of violence that international experts say has killed some 200,000 people. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Diplomats said the consensus decision among the body's 47 members was part of a compromise between mainly European states and Islamic and African nations that softened EU-proposed criticism of the Sudanese government's rights record.
Sima Samar, formally the Council's special rapporteur, had angered Khartoum and its allies with a strongly worded report this month contradicting Sudanese assertions that the rights situation was improving, and saying it was in fact grim.
She said government and rebels were killing civilians in Darfur and accused Khartoum's forces of launching deadly ground and air attacks in the region, the scene of 5 years of violence that international experts say has killed some 200,000 people. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Friday, September 12, 2008
'Nieuw soort regeringsgeweld in Darfur'
DEN HAAG - Het Sudanese regeringsleger gebruikt een nieuw soort geweld in de regio Darfur. Zo is in augustus het vluchtelingenkamp Kalma overvallen. Er werden granaten tussen de burgers gegooid en militairen "schoten midden in de gezinnen". Er vielen "tientallen doden".
Dit heeft hoofdaanklager Luis Moreno Ocampo van het Internationaal Strafhof (ICC) vrijdag gezegd tegen het ANP. De Argentijn onderzoekt oorlogsmisdaden in Darfur in opdracht van de VN-Veiligheidsraad.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Marginalized Sudanese Activists Support International Criminal Court
Marginalized Sudanese Activists Support International Criminal Court
Sudanese civil society activists, movements and civil rights advocates will jointly organize a demonstration in support of the International Criminal Court's Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo in indicting Sudanese president Omar Hassan Al Bashir of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Exhibitions of gross crimes against humanity committed by the current regime in Kajbar, Abei, Port Sudan and currently being committed in Darfur will be presented.
Place: Dam in Amsterdam
Date: July 29th, 2008
Time: From 12:00 till 20:00 hours
Invitation is open to all.
Organizers:
Sudan Liberation Movement
Sudan Justice & Equality Movement
Kush Liberation Movement
Bija Conference
Kordofan Alliance for Development
Darfur Call
For more info, please contact the following numbers:
+31 616583546
+31 649319350
+31 645660524
Sudanese civil society activists, movements and civil rights advocates will jointly organize a demonstration in support of the International Criminal Court's Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo in indicting Sudanese president Omar Hassan Al Bashir of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Exhibitions of gross crimes against humanity committed by the current regime in Kajbar, Abei, Port Sudan and currently being committed in Darfur will be presented.
Place: Dam in Amsterdam
Date: July 29th, 2008
Time: From 12:00 till 20:00 hours
Invitation is open to all.
Organizers:
Sudan Liberation Movement
Sudan Justice & Equality Movement
Kush Liberation Movement
Bija Conference
Kordofan Alliance for Development
Darfur Call
For more info, please contact the following numbers:
+31 616583546
+31 649319350
+31 645660524
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Beyond Darfur
By ANDREW S. NATSIOS
Few international issues have caught the attention of the American people as much as have the atrocities in Darfur. The Sudanese government and the Janjaweed militias, an Arab supremacist movement, have been carrying out a horrifying campaign of ethnic cleansing against African tribes.
Some 2,700 villages have been destroyed, and as a result of the violence and the related starvation and disease, some 250,000 Sudanese have died, most in 2003 and 2004, and another two million have fled to refugee camps. The Bush administration has called these atrocities a genocide. U.S. human rights organizations, U.S. religious institutions, and a burgeoning U.S. student movement have organized a national campaign to ensure that policymakers in Washington do not overlook the crisis. Both the Democratic and the Republican candidates for president have put Darfur on their foreign policy agendas. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Few international issues have caught the attention of the American people as much as have the atrocities in Darfur. The Sudanese government and the Janjaweed militias, an Arab supremacist movement, have been carrying out a horrifying campaign of ethnic cleansing against African tribes.
Some 2,700 villages have been destroyed, and as a result of the violence and the related starvation and disease, some 250,000 Sudanese have died, most in 2003 and 2004, and another two million have fled to refugee camps. The Bush administration has called these atrocities a genocide. U.S. human rights organizations, U.S. religious institutions, and a burgeoning U.S. student movement have organized a national campaign to ensure that policymakers in Washington do not overlook the crisis. Both the Democratic and the Republican candidates for president have put Darfur on their foreign policy agendas. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
'Whole state' behind Darfur crime
The "whole state apparatus" of Sudan is implicated in crimes against humanity in Darfur, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has said.
Luis Moreno-Ocampo's report into the crisis in western Sudan, due on Thursday, coincides with a visit to the region by the UN Security Council.
Sudan's ambassador to the UN said the comments were "fictitious and vicious" and harmful to the prospects of peace.
The UN ambassadors are in the country to try to end the conflict.
In the report on the situation in Sudan, to be delivered to the UN Security Council, Mr Moreno-Ocampo repeats his earlier call for the council to demand that Sudan hand over two men who face charges of crimes against humanity. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
'Nog steeds geweld tegen burgers Darfur '
DEN HAAG - Het geweld tegen burgers in de Sudanese regio Darfur gaat door. „Vrouwen worden verkracht, scholen worden gebombardeerd”, aldus hoofdaanklager Luis Moreno Ocampo van het Internationaal Strafhof (ICC) in een maandag uitgegeven verklaring. „De mensen in Darfur worden aangevallen in hun dorpen en hun kampen.”
De VN-Veiligheidsraad vroeg de Argentijn in 2005 onderzoek te doen naar oorlogsmisdaden in Darfur, nadat berichten waren binnengekomen over zo'n 200.000 doden door etnisch geweld. Vooral de zwarte burgerbevolking van Darfur moest het ontgelden bij gewapende aanvallen van Arabische Janjaweed-milities, die volgens veel waarnemers door de regering in Khartum worden gesteund.
In april 2007 vaardigde het ICC een arrestatiebevel uit tegen Ahmed Haroun en tegen Ali Kushayb, een leider van de beruchte Janjaweed. Haroun is nog steeds minister in de regering van Sudan. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>>
De VN-Veiligheidsraad vroeg de Argentijn in 2005 onderzoek te doen naar oorlogsmisdaden in Darfur, nadat berichten waren binnengekomen over zo'n 200.000 doden door etnisch geweld. Vooral de zwarte burgerbevolking van Darfur moest het ontgelden bij gewapende aanvallen van Arabische Janjaweed-milities, die volgens veel waarnemers door de regering in Khartum worden gesteund.
In april 2007 vaardigde het ICC een arrestatiebevel uit tegen Ahmed Haroun en tegen Ali Kushayb, een leider van de beruchte Janjaweed. Haroun is nog steeds minister in de regering van Sudan. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>>
Monday, June 02, 2008
Pronk roept op tot opstand in Darfur
Jan Pronk ziet voorlopig geen uitweg in het conflict in Darfur. Dit verkondigde de oud VN-gezant tijdens een debat dat het Centrum voor Holocaust- en Genocidestudies donderdag 29 mei organiseerde in de Noorderkerk.
Tijdens het debat stond de vraag centraal of er sprake is van genocide in het gebied, maar volgens Pronk is die vraag van ondergeschikt belang in de discussie: ‘De VN hebben de plicht om een kwetsbare burgerbevolking te beschermen tegen een gewelddadig regime dus is de vraag van genocide eigenlijk niet zo relevant.’
Begin 2005 stelde een door de VN ingestelde onderzoekscommissie vast dat er géén sprake was van genocide door de Soedanese regering, maar dat wat er wel gaande was, minstens zo erg was. De combinatie van deze constatering met rapportages van de Arabische Liga die wél duiden op het uitroeien van een bevolkingsgroep was in juli 2007 reden voor de VN om een internationale troepenmacht te installeren in Darfur, maar die installatie wil niet erg vlotten volgens Pronk: ‘Er zouden 26.000 man worden geleverd, het zijn er nu nog geen 9000. Bovendien saboteert de regering in Khartoem de vredesmacht op alle mogelijke manieren.’ lees meer >>>>>>
Tijdens het debat stond de vraag centraal of er sprake is van genocide in het gebied, maar volgens Pronk is die vraag van ondergeschikt belang in de discussie: ‘De VN hebben de plicht om een kwetsbare burgerbevolking te beschermen tegen een gewelddadig regime dus is de vraag van genocide eigenlijk niet zo relevant.’
Begin 2005 stelde een door de VN ingestelde onderzoekscommissie vast dat er géén sprake was van genocide door de Soedanese regering, maar dat wat er wel gaande was, minstens zo erg was. De combinatie van deze constatering met rapportages van de Arabische Liga die wél duiden op het uitroeien van een bevolkingsgroep was in juli 2007 reden voor de VN om een internationale troepenmacht te installeren in Darfur, maar die installatie wil niet erg vlotten volgens Pronk: ‘Er zouden 26.000 man worden geleverd, het zijn er nu nog geen 9000. Bovendien saboteert de regering in Khartoem de vredesmacht op alle mogelijke manieren.’ lees meer >>>>>>
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Armed Men Ambush Peacekeepers Serving With UN Force in Darfur
A Nigerian battalion serving with the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has been ambushed by dozens of men armed with machine guns, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, the mission reported today.
About 50 to 60 armed men on horseback, dressed in military camouflage, ambushed the battalion yesterday afternoon along the new airport road near El Geneina in West Darfur state. They stole rifles, ammunition, telephones and cash.
The ambush occurred as the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) warned that continuing attacks on the staff and assets of aid agencies working in Darfur are threatening humanitarian access and worsening the already perilous conditions faced by many locals.
The hijacking of the North Darfur State Water Corporation's drilling rig by an armed group in March, for example, has meant that as many as 180,000 people may not have access to clean water this year. Read more >>>>>>
About 50 to 60 armed men on horseback, dressed in military camouflage, ambushed the battalion yesterday afternoon along the new airport road near El Geneina in West Darfur state. They stole rifles, ammunition, telephones and cash.
The ambush occurred as the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) warned that continuing attacks on the staff and assets of aid agencies working in Darfur are threatening humanitarian access and worsening the already perilous conditions faced by many locals.
The hijacking of the North Darfur State Water Corporation's drilling rig by an armed group in March, for example, has meant that as many as 180,000 people may not have access to clean water this year. Read more >>>>>>
Monday, May 19, 2008
Darfur: ‘Scorched Earth’ Tactics Warrant UN Sanctions
Darfur: ‘Scorched Earth’ Tactics Warrant UN Sanctions
Government Attacks Show Civilians Need Greater International Protection
WASHINGTON, DC - May 19 - The United Nations Security Council should impose targeted sanctions on Sudanese officials responsible for attacks against civilians in West Darfur in February 2008, said Human Rights Watch in a new report released today. Following an attack by Darfur rebels on Khartoum on May 10, 2008, Human Rights Watch also expressed concern about possible government reprisals against civilians in West Darfur.
The 35-page report, “‘They Shot at Us as We Fled’: Government Attacks on Civilians in West Darfur in February 2008,” documents how attacks on several towns in West Darfur’s “northern corridor” were a vicious reprise of Khartoum’s “scorched earth” counterinsurgency tactics. The report, based on interviews with more than 60 witnesses and victims of the attacks in West Darfur, shows how Sudanese armed forces and government-backed “Janjaweed” militia killed and injured hundreds of civilians and destroyed and looted property. The attacks occurred on February 8, 18, 19 and 22 in the towns of Abu Suruj, Sirba, Silea, and in the villages in and around Jebel Mun, a mountainous rebel-held area in northern West Darfur.
“The destruction of town after town in West Darfur shows that Khartoum has no qualms about committing the same atrocities that we saw earlier in the Darfur conflict,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “With no rebels to attack, army forces and ‘Janjaweed’ brutally targeted civilians and their property.”
Human Rights Watch said that Khartoum’s continuing violations of international law highlight the urgent need for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) to be fully deployed, equipped and trained to effectively protect civilians where they are most at risk. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Government Attacks Show Civilians Need Greater International Protection
WASHINGTON, DC - May 19 - The United Nations Security Council should impose targeted sanctions on Sudanese officials responsible for attacks against civilians in West Darfur in February 2008, said Human Rights Watch in a new report released today. Following an attack by Darfur rebels on Khartoum on May 10, 2008, Human Rights Watch also expressed concern about possible government reprisals against civilians in West Darfur.
The 35-page report, “‘They Shot at Us as We Fled’: Government Attacks on Civilians in West Darfur in February 2008,” documents how attacks on several towns in West Darfur’s “northern corridor” were a vicious reprise of Khartoum’s “scorched earth” counterinsurgency tactics. The report, based on interviews with more than 60 witnesses and victims of the attacks in West Darfur, shows how Sudanese armed forces and government-backed “Janjaweed” militia killed and injured hundreds of civilians and destroyed and looted property. The attacks occurred on February 8, 18, 19 and 22 in the towns of Abu Suruj, Sirba, Silea, and in the villages in and around Jebel Mun, a mountainous rebel-held area in northern West Darfur.
“The destruction of town after town in West Darfur shows that Khartoum has no qualms about committing the same atrocities that we saw earlier in the Darfur conflict,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “With no rebels to attack, army forces and ‘Janjaweed’ brutally targeted civilians and their property.”
Human Rights Watch said that Khartoum’s continuing violations of international law highlight the urgent need for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) to be fully deployed, equipped and trained to effectively protect civilians where they are most at risk. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sudanese Air Strike in North Darfur Kills 13 Civilians
By VOA News
Reports from Darfur say an air raid by the Sudanese army has killed at least 13 people and wounded others, including children.
Aid groups and rebel representatives say a Sudanese military plane bombed the village of Shegag Karo in North Darfur state on Sunday. More >>>>>>>
Reports from Darfur say an air raid by the Sudanese army has killed at least 13 people and wounded others, including children.
Aid groups and rebel representatives say a Sudanese military plane bombed the village of Shegag Karo in North Darfur state on Sunday. More >>>>>>>
Thursday, May 01, 2008
We know all too well what the Chinese are doing in Tibet, Darfur, Burma and beyond
WASHINGTON, May 1 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today hosted a press conference at which he was joined by several lawmakers and outside organizations to highlight the numerous human rights violations directly and indirectly enabled by the Chinese government.
"China hoped the Olympics would be their international house-warming party, but it has only aired their dirty laundry. The world's conscience has been building a drumbeat against the Chinese government as we approach the Olympics," said Brownback. "We know all too well what the Chinese are doing in Tibet, Darfur, Burma and beyond. We want to make sure the world knows the horrible conditions befalling North Korean refugees who are lucky enough to escape their country, but so unlucky to end up in China." Read more >>>>>>>>
"China hoped the Olympics would be their international house-warming party, but it has only aired their dirty laundry. The world's conscience has been building a drumbeat against the Chinese government as we approach the Olympics," said Brownback. "We know all too well what the Chinese are doing in Tibet, Darfur, Burma and beyond. We want to make sure the world knows the horrible conditions befalling North Korean refugees who are lucky enough to escape their country, but so unlucky to end up in China." Read more >>>>>>>>
Abuse and Rape Part of Life for Darfur Women
Five years of conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, women and girls in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, as well as rural areas, live in constant fear of violent sexual attacks and have no way to gain justice for crimes committed against them, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The report, titled “Five Years On – No Justice for Sexual Violence in Darfur” shows the problem of sexual violence has gone unabated for years. A humanitarian organization, Medecins sans Frontieres, treated almost 500 women and girls from October 2004 to February 2005. In 2006, IRIN news agency reported that during a five-week period there were over 200 reports of sexual assault.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Made in China: Stop Arms Sales to Sudan
The Summer Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8th give China the opportunity to showcase its accomplishments and its rising global power. China is also working hard to manufacture an image as a responsible and harmonious global actor. But behind this façade lies another China, one that places economic growth over its human rights responsibilities around the world. Read more >>>>>>>>>
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Darfur suspect a 'fugitive,' says International Criminal Court Prosecutor
26 April 2008 – Despite an arrest warrant being issued for him one year ago by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a Sudanese minister accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the war-ravaged region of Darfur is free and is a "fugitive," the body;s Prosecutor said today.
"He attacked Sudanese people, his people, those he vowed to protect as Minister; he is an indicted minister, he is a fugitive," ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said in a press release. "He will end up in Court."
Last 27 April, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber issued warrants for the arrest of Ahman Harun, former Minister of State for the Interior of Sudan -- and current Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs -- and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Al Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb.
According to The Hague-based ICC, evidence collected over two years from different sources shows that Mr. Harun financed, armed and incited the Janjaweed to attack Darfurian villages from 2003-2004 and killing civilians, with Mr. Kushyab having led the attacks. Their actions have allegedly forced millions to flee their homes.
No national proceedings related to these crimes have been held in Sudan, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo noted. "Brutal and massive attacks, rapes, tortures were committed 5 years ago against Sudanese citizens and their own Government promised everything and has done nothing."
The arrest warrants for Mr. Harun and Mr. Kushayb were transmitted to Sudan last 16 June, but the Government has not responded, is not cooperating and has not complied with Security Council Resolution 1593. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Warning to world leaders over Darfur crisis
By Samantha Novick
IF world leaders continue to neglect the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, violence there could reignite 21 years of civil war and spread, the leader of Scotland's largest international aid charity warned last night.
"It is staggering that the international community has not been able to provide the personnel or logistical support that is vital to handle the vast insecurity in the region," said Paul Chitnis, chief executive of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. "They are not giving Darfur the priority it needs in order to bring an end to this crisis. Already it is a situation of too little, too late."
Chitnis' comments come after a report from the United Nations found that violence targeting civilians in Darfur continues at alarming levels, despite numerous resolutions, millions in aid money and four years of UN efforts to end it.
Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, has even said the situation is worse today than when it first began. SCIAF has taken a major step in promoting its work in the country – by establishing its first overseas office there, in the town of Juba, on the White Nile south of Darfur.Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
IF world leaders continue to neglect the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, violence there could reignite 21 years of civil war and spread, the leader of Scotland's largest international aid charity warned last night.
"It is staggering that the international community has not been able to provide the personnel or logistical support that is vital to handle the vast insecurity in the region," said Paul Chitnis, chief executive of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. "They are not giving Darfur the priority it needs in order to bring an end to this crisis. Already it is a situation of too little, too late."
Chitnis' comments come after a report from the United Nations found that violence targeting civilians in Darfur continues at alarming levels, despite numerous resolutions, millions in aid money and four years of UN efforts to end it.
Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, has even said the situation is worse today than when it first began. SCIAF has taken a major step in promoting its work in the country – by establishing its first overseas office there, in the town of Juba, on the White Nile south of Darfur.Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Seder for Darfur
By Jessica Schaffer, Special to The Suburban
The Passover Seder focuses on recounting the story of the oppression of Jews in Egypt. In even the most basic Hagadot it is clear that this yearly retelling, along with the symbolic foods that represent the bitterness and tears of the Jewish journey to freedom, is a tool to remind all of the universality of the struggle against oppression, enslavement and racism. It is a constant reminder that we all have a duty to work for the dignity and liberty of all mankind.
When reflecting on the oppression in ancient Egypt, it is natural to remember the devastation that Jews faced during the Holocaust. With that institutional memory, we should all — at every Seder — give some of our attention to a current and ever-intensifying genocide. In Darfur, the southern region of Sudan, more than 400,000 people have been killed since 2003 More than two and a half million are displaced refugees. The Sudanese government army and a government-sponsored militia attack entire villages of non-Arab Darfuris, usually simultaneously bombing from the air, poisoning water sources, and attacking with guns on the ground. Men defending the villages are tortured and slaughtered, and women and children are routinely and repeatedly raped. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Passover Seder focuses on recounting the story of the oppression of Jews in Egypt. In even the most basic Hagadot it is clear that this yearly retelling, along with the symbolic foods that represent the bitterness and tears of the Jewish journey to freedom, is a tool to remind all of the universality of the struggle against oppression, enslavement and racism. It is a constant reminder that we all have a duty to work for the dignity and liberty of all mankind.
When reflecting on the oppression in ancient Egypt, it is natural to remember the devastation that Jews faced during the Holocaust. With that institutional memory, we should all — at every Seder — give some of our attention to a current and ever-intensifying genocide. In Darfur, the southern region of Sudan, more than 400,000 people have been killed since 2003 More than two and a half million are displaced refugees. The Sudanese government army and a government-sponsored militia attack entire villages of non-Arab Darfuris, usually simultaneously bombing from the air, poisoning water sources, and attacking with guns on the ground. Men defending the villages are tortured and slaughtered, and women and children are routinely and repeatedly raped. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Monday, April 14, 2008
Darfur continues to bleed
It has been five years since the war in Darfur began. It is said to be the worst genocide of the 21st century.
There is an eerie calm in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. The city has a deserted look and also owns one of the largest camps housing displaced people.
Darfur has been called the world's worst humanitarian crisis and at camp Sekele one can see why the people in this part of the world are completely dependent on the rest of the world for their survival.
The make shift houses can barely keep the blistering heat out. The people live entirely on aid provided by international agencies. UN figures show Darfur gets over $1 billion a year. Yet, it is pitifully inadequate.
''Darfur is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. That is absolutely without a doubt. There are two million people who are living in camps for Internally Displaced People, who are almost entirely dependent on the international community for their food, medical aid water and sanitation,'' said Emilia Kassela, Head of Communications, World Food Programme, Sudan.
In the past five years, over two lakh people have been killed and nearly 20 lakh have been driven from their homes. Read more>>>>
There is an eerie calm in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. The city has a deserted look and also owns one of the largest camps housing displaced people.
Darfur has been called the world's worst humanitarian crisis and at camp Sekele one can see why the people in this part of the world are completely dependent on the rest of the world for their survival.
The make shift houses can barely keep the blistering heat out. The people live entirely on aid provided by international agencies. UN figures show Darfur gets over $1 billion a year. Yet, it is pitifully inadequate.
''Darfur is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. That is absolutely without a doubt. There are two million people who are living in camps for Internally Displaced People, who are almost entirely dependent on the international community for their food, medical aid water and sanitation,'' said Emilia Kassela, Head of Communications, World Food Programme, Sudan.
In the past five years, over two lakh people have been killed and nearly 20 lakh have been driven from their homes. Read more>>>>
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Conflict in Darfur: When will it end?
Peering out the helicopter window, my stomach dropped again. This time it wasn't from the twinge of fear I felt when the nose of the U.N. chopper dipped forward on liftoff. It was from what I was seeing on the ground.
We were dropping into Sileia on our way to Sirba – two large villages in West Darfur that suffered immensely during recent government efforts to drive out rebels. After flying for miles over the stark but beautiful desert landscape, golden glints of thatched huts and fences appeared in the distance. As we got closer, the view changed drastically.
Next to a cluster of picturesque family compounds was a sickening scar of scorched earth. Blackened circles clearly marked where huts had been burned to the ground. The helicopter banked left, and the scene repeated itself.
Five years in, the conflict in Darfur continues unabated. More than 2 million people are displaced from their homes, feeling too scared to return to their villages and risk another attack. Each week, the number grows. Yet, somehow, people still find hope.
Eleven-year-old Faiza Khalil Hamad is happy to be attending classes in the West Darfur capital of El Geneina: "I used to look after our sheep every day, but now I am in school. I have learned a lot so far. I like school." Abdullah Assal is proud to be part of a Catholic Relief Services food relief committee that helps distribute emergency rations each month to thousands of people, pleased to be helping his neighbors. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
We were dropping into Sileia on our way to Sirba – two large villages in West Darfur that suffered immensely during recent government efforts to drive out rebels. After flying for miles over the stark but beautiful desert landscape, golden glints of thatched huts and fences appeared in the distance. As we got closer, the view changed drastically.
Next to a cluster of picturesque family compounds was a sickening scar of scorched earth. Blackened circles clearly marked where huts had been burned to the ground. The helicopter banked left, and the scene repeated itself.
Five years in, the conflict in Darfur continues unabated. More than 2 million people are displaced from their homes, feeling too scared to return to their villages and risk another attack. Each week, the number grows. Yet, somehow, people still find hope.
Eleven-year-old Faiza Khalil Hamad is happy to be attending classes in the West Darfur capital of El Geneina: "I used to look after our sheep every day, but now I am in school. I have learned a lot so far. I like school." Abdullah Assal is proud to be part of a Catholic Relief Services food relief committee that helps distribute emergency rations each month to thousands of people, pleased to be helping his neighbors. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Clinton: Bush to Boycott Olympic Opening Games
On Monday, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, called for President George W. Bush to refrain from personally participating in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics to protest China's record on human rights.
The circumstances are dramatically different. But the dilemma of whether or not a public figure should lend his credibility to the China Olympics occurred last year, when firm director Steven Spielberg sought the opinion of former President Bill Clinton (among dozens of others) as to whether he should remain an "Overseas Artistic Director" for the opening and closing ceremonies for Olympics despite his serious concerns about China's role in the genocide in Darfur.
In 2007, knowledgeable sources say, the former President advised Spielberg to participate, that he could be an effective agent for positive change by working with China. Spielberg wasn't sure. He didn't sign his contract with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
The circumstances are dramatically different. But the dilemma of whether or not a public figure should lend his credibility to the China Olympics occurred last year, when firm director Steven Spielberg sought the opinion of former President Bill Clinton (among dozens of others) as to whether he should remain an "Overseas Artistic Director" for the opening and closing ceremonies for Olympics despite his serious concerns about China's role in the genocide in Darfur.
In 2007, knowledgeable sources say, the former President advised Spielberg to participate, that he could be an effective agent for positive change by working with China. Spielberg wasn't sure. He didn't sign his contract with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Monday, April 07, 2008
Five years on, Darfur rape widespread-Rights Watch
By Opheera McDoom
KHARTOUM, April 7 (Reuters) - Widespread rape, mostly committed by pro-government forces, is going unpunished in Sudan's Darfur region and peacekeepers are unable to protect victims as young as 11, a rights group said on Monday.
New York-based Human Rights Watch urged Sudan's government to pass and enforce laws immediately to prosecute rapists and protect victims in Darfur, racked by five years of conflict.
"The victims of these horrific attacks have little or no hope of redress in Darfur's current climate of impunity," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director of the group.
"By failing to prosecute the perpetrators, the government is giving them a licence to rape."
The rights group said the numerous rapes it documented in its 44-page report were only a fraction of those in Darfur because most go unreported. Victims are often prosecuted for adultery or treated indifferently by Sudanese police.
"The Sudanese government has declared `zero-tolerance' for sexual violence, yet has done almost nothing to protect these victims," Gagnon added.Read more >>>>>>>>
KHARTOUM, April 7 (Reuters) - Widespread rape, mostly committed by pro-government forces, is going unpunished in Sudan's Darfur region and peacekeepers are unable to protect victims as young as 11, a rights group said on Monday.
New York-based Human Rights Watch urged Sudan's government to pass and enforce laws immediately to prosecute rapists and protect victims in Darfur, racked by five years of conflict.
"The victims of these horrific attacks have little or no hope of redress in Darfur's current climate of impunity," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director of the group.
"By failing to prosecute the perpetrators, the government is giving them a licence to rape."
The rights group said the numerous rapes it documented in its 44-page report were only a fraction of those in Darfur because most go unreported. Victims are often prosecuted for adultery or treated indifferently by Sudanese police.
"The Sudanese government has declared `zero-tolerance' for sexual violence, yet has done almost nothing to protect these victims," Gagnon added.Read more >>>>>>>>
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Genocide by Attrition in Sudan
Sudan's National Islamic Front regime has begun its sixth year of genocidal counterinsurgency warfare in the vast western region of Darfur, targeting African civilian populations perceived as the primary support for fractious rebel groups. Given the length of the conflict, news reports have inevitably taken on a grimly familiar and repetitive character that obscures the impending cataclysm of human destruction.
Without significant improvement in security on the ground -- for civilians and the humanitarians upon whom they increasingly depend -- deaths in the coming months will reach a staggering total. What Khartoum was unable to accomplish with the massive violence of 2003-04, entailing wholesale destruction of African villages, will be achieved through a "genocide by attrition." Civilians displaced into camps or surviving precariously in rural areas will face unprecedented shortfalls in humanitarian assistance, primarily food and potable water.
A recent U.N. map indicating aid access throughout Darfur shows that a large majority of people in the region are in areas with highly limited humanitarian access or none at all. The consensus among nongovernmental aid organizations is that they have access to only 40 percent of the population in need; 2.5 million of the 4.3 million Darfuris affected by conflict -- primarily women and children -- can't be securely reached by those attempting to provide food, clean water, shelter and primary medical care.
And things are poised to get much worse. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Without significant improvement in security on the ground -- for civilians and the humanitarians upon whom they increasingly depend -- deaths in the coming months will reach a staggering total. What Khartoum was unable to accomplish with the massive violence of 2003-04, entailing wholesale destruction of African villages, will be achieved through a "genocide by attrition." Civilians displaced into camps or surviving precariously in rural areas will face unprecedented shortfalls in humanitarian assistance, primarily food and potable water.
A recent U.N. map indicating aid access throughout Darfur shows that a large majority of people in the region are in areas with highly limited humanitarian access or none at all. The consensus among nongovernmental aid organizations is that they have access to only 40 percent of the population in need; 2.5 million of the 4.3 million Darfuris affected by conflict -- primarily women and children -- can't be securely reached by those attempting to provide food, clean water, shelter and primary medical care.
And things are poised to get much worse. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Darfur activists urge leaders to skip ceremony
Darfur activists urge leaders to skip ceremony
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush and other leaders should shun the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony unless China does more to stop bloodshed in Sudan's Darfur region, activists said on Thursday.
The umbrella group of Darfur organizations said it was not advocating that countries, athletes or corporate sponsors boycott the Aug. 8-24 Games. But it said host China's close ties to Sudan undercut the spirit of the opening ceremony.
"Beijing should not be allowed to bask in the warm glow of peace and brotherhood associated with the opening games if China is still underwriting atrocities in Darfur and still has not done what it should to bring peace and security to Sudan," said the group in a statement from Washington.
"We call on world leaders not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics," it said. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush and other leaders should shun the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony unless China does more to stop bloodshed in Sudan's Darfur region, activists said on Thursday.
The umbrella group of Darfur organizations said it was not advocating that countries, athletes or corporate sponsors boycott the Aug. 8-24 Games. But it said host China's close ties to Sudan undercut the spirit of the opening ceremony.
"Beijing should not be allowed to bask in the warm glow of peace and brotherhood associated with the opening games if China is still underwriting atrocities in Darfur and still has not done what it should to bring peace and security to Sudan," said the group in a statement from Washington.
"We call on world leaders not to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics," it said. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
U.S. urges U.N. to speed up Darfur deployment
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States has urged the United Nations to speed deployment of more U.N.-African Union peacekeepers to Sudan's war-racked Darfur region, a U.S. diplomat said in a letter to the U.N. chief.
Only 9,000 of the required 26,000 international troops and police have been deployed in Darfur. Western governments have blamed Khartoum for the slow pace of deployment, saying it has dragged its feet in approving the composition of the force and set up unnecessary obstacles.
But in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Darfur Richard Williamson made clear that Washington felt the United Nations shared some of the blame for the slow deployment.
"The United States supports the U.N.'s objective to deploy the best-equipped troops possible, but it seems that some U.N. practices may hinder deployment," Williamson said in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.
"We believe that the deployment of 3,600 new African troops by June -- a target number based on the U.N.'s planning schedule -- will bring increased security and stability to the people of Darfur," he said. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Only 9,000 of the required 26,000 international troops and police have been deployed in Darfur. Western governments have blamed Khartoum for the slow pace of deployment, saying it has dragged its feet in approving the composition of the force and set up unnecessary obstacles.
But in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Darfur Richard Williamson made clear that Washington felt the United Nations shared some of the blame for the slow deployment.
"The United States supports the U.N.'s objective to deploy the best-equipped troops possible, but it seems that some U.N. practices may hinder deployment," Williamson said in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.
"We believe that the deployment of 3,600 new African troops by June -- a target number based on the U.N.'s planning schedule -- will bring increased security and stability to the people of Darfur," he said. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Three Darfur war crimes suspects inaugurate new health facilities
(KHARTOUM) — Three Sudanese officials accused of taking part in the Darfur war crimes inaugurated health facilities in the town of Merowe 350 km north of the capital Khartoum.
Salah Gosh (left); Ahmed Haroun (Center); Musa Hilal (right) The officials included Salah Gosh, the head of Sudan’s National Security and Intelligence Service; Ahmed Haroun, minister of state for humanitarian affairs and Musa Hilal adviser to the ministry of Federal Affairs.
Gosh has been accused by human rights group of being one of the Sudanese officials responsible for orchestrating the war crimes in Darfur and counter insurgency campaign. He was identified by the UN panel of experts as an individual who should be sanctioned. Read more >>>>>>>>>
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Darfur Activists Plan Beijing Protest
By JOE McDONALD –
BEIJING (AP) — Activists will demonstrate in Beijing during the Olympics to press China to help end bloodshed in Darfur, a group said Thursday, adding to the government's public relations headaches as it tries to quell protests in Tibet.
The announcement came as two U.S.-based groups released a report that accused Beijing of blocking efforts to compel the Sudanese government to end fighting in its western Darfur region.
"We are planning some actions during the games themselves in Beijing," Dream for Darfur's executive director, Jill Savitt, said in a conference call with reporters. Savitt said the group was keeping details secret "for fear we would not be able to pull off those events."
Activists are calling on Beijing, a diplomatic ally of Sudan and buyer of its oil, to help end fighting in Darfur. They have been pressing Olympics sponsors to lobby Beijing for action or face pickets at their headquarters or other protests.
In their report, Dream for Darfur and Save Darfur rejected Beijing's assertions that it has been trying to bring peace to the region.
They accused China, a permanent Security Council member, of blocking or weakening U.N. measures to compel Sudan to end the violence while supplying Khartoum with weapons.
"The actions of China, more than the actions of any other country besides Sudan, have facilitated the atrocities in Darfur," the report said. "For the past five years, essentially all of China's actions supported the government in Khartoum, thereby enabling the atrocities Khartoum committed."Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
BEIJING (AP) — Activists will demonstrate in Beijing during the Olympics to press China to help end bloodshed in Darfur, a group said Thursday, adding to the government's public relations headaches as it tries to quell protests in Tibet.
The announcement came as two U.S.-based groups released a report that accused Beijing of blocking efforts to compel the Sudanese government to end fighting in its western Darfur region.
"We are planning some actions during the games themselves in Beijing," Dream for Darfur's executive director, Jill Savitt, said in a conference call with reporters. Savitt said the group was keeping details secret "for fear we would not be able to pull off those events."
Activists are calling on Beijing, a diplomatic ally of Sudan and buyer of its oil, to help end fighting in Darfur. They have been pressing Olympics sponsors to lobby Beijing for action or face pickets at their headquarters or other protests.
In their report, Dream for Darfur and Save Darfur rejected Beijing's assertions that it has been trying to bring peace to the region.
They accused China, a permanent Security Council member, of blocking or weakening U.N. measures to compel Sudan to end the violence while supplying Khartoum with weapons.
"The actions of China, more than the actions of any other country besides Sudan, have facilitated the atrocities in Darfur," the report said. "For the past five years, essentially all of China's actions supported the government in Khartoum, thereby enabling the atrocities Khartoum committed."Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
EU force starts mission in Chad, CAR
NDJAMENA (AFP) — An EU force of 3,700 troops still deploying in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday announced the official start of its year-long mission to protect refugees and displaced people.
A statement released by the EU peacekeeping force said it had reached 'initial operational capacity'.
"This declaration is an important step since its marks the effective start of the 12 months of the force's mandate," it said, referring to as provided for by a UN Security Council resolution passed on September 25 last year.
The mission's duty is to protect refugees in both countries from Sudan's conflict-wracked western Darfur region across their border, as well as Chadians and CAR villagers displaced by internal strife. They total more than 450,000 people. Read more >>>>>>>
A statement released by the EU peacekeeping force said it had reached 'initial operational capacity'.
"This declaration is an important step since its marks the effective start of the 12 months of the force's mandate," it said, referring to as provided for by a UN Security Council resolution passed on September 25 last year.
The mission's duty is to protect refugees in both countries from Sudan's conflict-wracked western Darfur region across their border, as well as Chadians and CAR villagers displaced by internal strife. They total more than 450,000 people. Read more >>>>>>>
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sudan: Islamic Community Failing Darfur Victims, Rights Groups Say
Dakar
Human rights advocates and religious leaders are using a conference in the Senegalese capital Dakar to tell leaders of predominantly Muslim countries they are failing the people of Darfur.
"It is the OIC's [Organisation of Islamic Conference] responsibility to say 'enough is enough' and to put pressure on the government of Sudan - which is a member state of the OIC - to end the killing in Darfur," Amir Osman, international advocacy director for the Washington-based group Save Darfur, told IRIN.
The international community must act "whenever a government is killing its own citizens", Osman said. "Some of the Arab and Muslim leaders are hesitant to speak out because of their economic and political interests with Sudan."
Islamic scholars and representatives of human rights and aid groups met in Saly, Senegal, on 9 March to finalise a declaration to be submitted to OIC heads of state - expected to include Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir - due to gather in Dakar on 12-14 March. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>
Human rights advocates and religious leaders are using a conference in the Senegalese capital Dakar to tell leaders of predominantly Muslim countries they are failing the people of Darfur.
"It is the OIC's [Organisation of Islamic Conference] responsibility to say 'enough is enough' and to put pressure on the government of Sudan - which is a member state of the OIC - to end the killing in Darfur," Amir Osman, international advocacy director for the Washington-based group Save Darfur, told IRIN.
The international community must act "whenever a government is killing its own citizens", Osman said. "Some of the Arab and Muslim leaders are hesitant to speak out because of their economic and political interests with Sudan."
Islamic scholars and representatives of human rights and aid groups met in Saly, Senegal, on 9 March to finalise a declaration to be submitted to OIC heads of state - expected to include Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir - due to gather in Dakar on 12-14 March. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Sarkozy condemns Sudan over French EU soldier death
By Elizabeth Pineau
PARIS, March 7 (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned on Friday what he called the "deliberate and disproportionate" use of force by Sudan in the killing of a French soldier serving with European Union forces in Chad.
France's defence ministry said that a body found by Sudanese authorities near the Chad border was identified by French officials in Khartoum as that of a special forces sergeant who went missing after a clash with Sudanese troops on Monday.
The soldier was killed and another was wounded after they accidentally crossed from Chad into Sudan, in a remote region near the Chad, Sudan and Central African Republic frontiers. The wounded man rejoined EU forces.
The death was the first fatal casualty in the EU military force which is still being deployed in eastern Chad. More than half of its members are being provided by France.Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>
PARIS, March 7 (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned on Friday what he called the "deliberate and disproportionate" use of force by Sudan in the killing of a French soldier serving with European Union forces in Chad.
France's defence ministry said that a body found by Sudanese authorities near the Chad border was identified by French officials in Khartoum as that of a special forces sergeant who went missing after a clash with Sudanese troops on Monday.
The soldier was killed and another was wounded after they accidentally crossed from Chad into Sudan, in a remote region near the Chad, Sudan and Central African Republic frontiers. The wounded man rejoined EU forces.
The death was the first fatal casualty in the EU military force which is still being deployed in eastern Chad. More than half of its members are being provided by France.Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Jan Pronk voor de klas over vredesproces Darfur
Maandag 3 maart ‘08, 10.00 uur
Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden, Fruinlaan 15 in Leiden
Op dit moment speculeren duizend scholieren in het vredesproces van Darfur. Het educatieve beursspel Markt voor Vrede 2.0 is in volle gang. Maandag start de bijbehorende scholentour: verschillende experts zullen voor de deelnemende scholieren een lezing geven over het conflict in Sudan. Voormalig bijzonder VN-gazant Jan Pronk trapt af met een gastles op het Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden.
Is Darfur op 1 januari 2009 veilig genoeg om te beginnen met het herstel van de regio? Dat is de hamvraag van deze serious game, waarmee vredesorganisatie Euro's voor Vrede middelbare scholieren stimuleert om zich te verdiepen in de werking van een aandelenmarkt en tevens in het maatschappelijke vraagstuk rondom het vredesproces in Darfur. Spelenderwijs krijgen de jongeren inzicht in de complexiteit van wederopbouw in een conflictgebied en de vorming van de publieke opinie hierover.
Scholentour
Maandag start de scholentour van Markt voor Vrede 2.0. Voormalig bijzonder VN-gazant Jan Pronk trapt af met een gastles op het Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden. Andere experts die de komende tijd zullen deelnemen aan de scholentour van Markt voor Vrede 2.0 zijn Tineke Ceelen, directeur van Stichting Vluchteling; Edwin Ruigrok, oud-projectcoördinator Hoorn van Afrika van IKV Pax Christi; Jort Hemmer en Ayaan Abukar Ali, landenspecialisten Sudan van Amnesty International. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden, Fruinlaan 15 in Leiden
Op dit moment speculeren duizend scholieren in het vredesproces van Darfur. Het educatieve beursspel Markt voor Vrede 2.0 is in volle gang. Maandag start de bijbehorende scholentour: verschillende experts zullen voor de deelnemende scholieren een lezing geven over het conflict in Sudan. Voormalig bijzonder VN-gazant Jan Pronk trapt af met een gastles op het Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden.
Is Darfur op 1 januari 2009 veilig genoeg om te beginnen met het herstel van de regio? Dat is de hamvraag van deze serious game, waarmee vredesorganisatie Euro's voor Vrede middelbare scholieren stimuleert om zich te verdiepen in de werking van een aandelenmarkt en tevens in het maatschappelijke vraagstuk rondom het vredesproces in Darfur. Spelenderwijs krijgen de jongeren inzicht in de complexiteit van wederopbouw in een conflictgebied en de vorming van de publieke opinie hierover.
Scholentour
Maandag start de scholentour van Markt voor Vrede 2.0. Voormalig bijzonder VN-gazant Jan Pronk trapt af met een gastles op het Stedelijk Gymnasium Leiden. Andere experts die de komende tijd zullen deelnemen aan de scholentour van Markt voor Vrede 2.0 zijn Tineke Ceelen, directeur van Stichting Vluchteling; Edwin Ruigrok, oud-projectcoördinator Hoorn van Afrika van IKV Pax Christi; Jort Hemmer en Ayaan Abukar Ali, landenspecialisten Sudan van Amnesty International. Lees meer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Scorched-Earth Strategy Returns to Darfur
They came to this dusty town in the Darfur region of Sudan on horses and camels on market day. Almost everybody was in the bustling square. At the first clatter of automatic gunfire, everyone ran.
The militiamen laid waste to the town — burning huts, pillaging shops, carrying off any loot they could find and shooting anyone who stood in their way, residents said. Asha Abdullah Abakar, wizened and twice widowed, described how she hid in a hut, praying it would not be set on fire.
“I have never been so afraid,” she said.
The attacks by the janjaweed, the fearsome Arab militias that came three weeks ago, accompanied by government bombers and followed by the Sudanese Army, were a return to the tactics that terrorized Darfur in the early, bloodiest stages of the conflict.
Such brutal, three-pronged attacks of this scale — involving close coordination of air power, army troops and Arab militias in areas where rebel troops have been — have rarely been seen in the past few years, when the violence became more episodic and fractured. But they resemble the kinds of campaigns that first captured the world’s attention and prompted the Bush administration to call the violence in Darfur genocide.
Aid workers, diplomats and analysts say the return of such attacks is an ominous sign that the fighting in Darfur, which has grown more complex and confusing as it has stretched on for five years, is entering a new and deadly phase — one in which the government is planning a scorched-earth campaign against the rebel groups fighting here as efforts to find a negotiated peace founder. Read more >>>>>>>>>
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Difficult road to peace in Gereda
With 135,000 internally displaced persons, the city of Gereda in South Darfur houses the highest number of IDPs in Darfur – a region in which some 2.5 million are displaced. After reports of a steady influx of IDPs in the locality, a United Nations team visited the area to assess the situation. The local authorities called for implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), while the displaced populations sought improved security and extended assistance.
On the 14th of February, a team composed of different UN organizations drove to Gereda to meet the local authorities and IDPs. The city, located three hours South of Nyala, the state capital, is secured by elements of the Sudanese Liberation Army under the command of Minni Minawi (SLA-MM). The rebel movement, signatory to the peace agreement, assumes the authority of the state in the area, while the government of Sudan takes over further to the south. However, relations between the partners are tense.
'The government is not committed to its word' declares an SLA-MM member in the area. He insists that 'the government has not implemented its requirement to provide logistical support to the movement. Until this is done, we will not allow the government to have authority over the area'. He adds, however, that he does not have power to protect the area's inhabitants and wants UNAMID to disarm the Arab tribe accused of banditry and violence against the local population – a tribe he says is Government backed. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
On the 14th of February, a team composed of different UN organizations drove to Gereda to meet the local authorities and IDPs. The city, located three hours South of Nyala, the state capital, is secured by elements of the Sudanese Liberation Army under the command of Minni Minawi (SLA-MM). The rebel movement, signatory to the peace agreement, assumes the authority of the state in the area, while the government of Sudan takes over further to the south. However, relations between the partners are tense.
'The government is not committed to its word' declares an SLA-MM member in the area. He insists that 'the government has not implemented its requirement to provide logistical support to the movement. Until this is done, we will not allow the government to have authority over the area'. He adds, however, that he does not have power to protect the area's inhabitants and wants UNAMID to disarm the Arab tribe accused of banditry and violence against the local population – a tribe he says is Government backed. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Miliband urges Darfur peace force
Britain has condemned the continuing violence in Darfur and called for the speedy deployment of a joint United Nations and African Union peacekeeping force.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband and International development Secretary Douglas Alexander spoke out after reports of further killings and waves of refugees fleeing militias.
Mr Miliband said he was particularly concerned at reports of Sudanese government bombing raids in defiance of the international community.
He said in a statement: "The recent fighting in West Darfur has had a devastating impact on the lives of innocent Darfuris.
"The UK shares the widespread international concern at the appalling suffering that this fighting has caused.
"I am particularly concerned by reports of aerial bombardment by Government of Sudan forces, in contravention of UN security council resolutions, and of violence by the Justice and Equality Movement, led by Khalil Ibrahim, and militia.
"This further fighting comes on the heels of violence in Chad and across the Darfur-Chad border that has caused a worsening in the humanitarian situation in Chad.
"I reiterate calls on both Governments to cease support for each other's rebel groups. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Foreign Secretary David Miliband and International development Secretary Douglas Alexander spoke out after reports of further killings and waves of refugees fleeing militias.
Mr Miliband said he was particularly concerned at reports of Sudanese government bombing raids in defiance of the international community.
He said in a statement: "The recent fighting in West Darfur has had a devastating impact on the lives of innocent Darfuris.
"The UK shares the widespread international concern at the appalling suffering that this fighting has caused.
"I am particularly concerned by reports of aerial bombardment by Government of Sudan forces, in contravention of UN security council resolutions, and of violence by the Justice and Equality Movement, led by Khalil Ibrahim, and militia.
"This further fighting comes on the heels of violence in Chad and across the Darfur-Chad border that has caused a worsening in the humanitarian situation in Chad.
"I reiterate calls on both Governments to cease support for each other's rebel groups. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sunday, February 24, 2008
'Justice' needed for Darfur
The Hague - Nine months after the first arrest warrants were issued for those suspected of being behind atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region, the chief international prosecutor believes he has the masterminds in his sights.
International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has vowed to target the most senior people behind the violence and says that peace will only be possible in troubled Darfur if arrests are made and those responsible are brought to justice.
He issued a warrant last May for the arrest of Sudan's secretary of state for humanitarian affairs Ahmed Harun, but despite a UN resolution requiring Khartoum to comply with the court Harun is still at large.
"If Harun is not arrested and removed there will be no justice, no peace in Darfur," Moreno-Ocampo said in a telephone interview with AFP from his native Argentina on Friday.
He said arresting Harun "is the condition for any solution in Darfur." Read more >>>>>
International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has vowed to target the most senior people behind the violence and says that peace will only be possible in troubled Darfur if arrests are made and those responsible are brought to justice.
He issued a warrant last May for the arrest of Sudan's secretary of state for humanitarian affairs Ahmed Harun, but despite a UN resolution requiring Khartoum to comply with the court Harun is still at large.
"If Harun is not arrested and removed there will be no justice, no peace in Darfur," Moreno-Ocampo said in a telephone interview with AFP from his native Argentina on Friday.
He said arresting Harun "is the condition for any solution in Darfur." Read more >>>>>
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Soedan lanceert nieuw offensief in West-Darfur
Kairo/ New York,
Door een nieuw Soedanees regeringsoffensief tegen rebellen in de westelijke regio Darfur zijn duizenden vluchtelingen langs de grens met Tsjaad vast komen te zitten. Dat hebben rebellen en hulpwerkers gisteren bekendgemaakt.Volgens plaatselijke rebellencommandanten zijn ongeveer tien burgers gedood en 20 opgepakt tijdens het offensief in het westen van Darfur, waaraan regeringsmilitairen en met hen verbonden Arabische militieleden deelnemen. VN-secretaris-generaal Ban Ki-moon is volgens een woordvoerster „extreem bezorgd over het hernieuwde geweld”.
In Darfur zijn volgens VN-schattingen zeker 200.000 mensen om het leven gekomen en meer dan twee miljoen uit hun woningen gevlucht sinds Afrikaanse rebellengroepen in 2003 de wapens opnamen tegen de door Arabieren gedomineerde regering in Khartoum. De Janjaweedmilitie van Arabische strijders wordt voor de grootste wreedheden in het conflict verantwoordelijk gesteld.
Eerder deze maand zijn al zeker 12.000 mensen de grens met Tsjaad over gevlucht om te ontsnappen aan het escalerende geweld. Een in Parijs in ballingschap levende rebellenleider, Abdulwahid Elnur, beschuldigde de VN er gisteren van de burgers van Darfur in de steek te laten. „Het leger en de Janjaweed moorden op klaarlichte dag, en de internationale gemeenschap doet niets.” Lees verder >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Door een nieuw Soedanees regeringsoffensief tegen rebellen in de westelijke regio Darfur zijn duizenden vluchtelingen langs de grens met Tsjaad vast komen te zitten. Dat hebben rebellen en hulpwerkers gisteren bekendgemaakt.Volgens plaatselijke rebellencommandanten zijn ongeveer tien burgers gedood en 20 opgepakt tijdens het offensief in het westen van Darfur, waaraan regeringsmilitairen en met hen verbonden Arabische militieleden deelnemen. VN-secretaris-generaal Ban Ki-moon is volgens een woordvoerster „extreem bezorgd over het hernieuwde geweld”.
In Darfur zijn volgens VN-schattingen zeker 200.000 mensen om het leven gekomen en meer dan twee miljoen uit hun woningen gevlucht sinds Afrikaanse rebellengroepen in 2003 de wapens opnamen tegen de door Arabieren gedomineerde regering in Khartoum. De Janjaweedmilitie van Arabische strijders wordt voor de grootste wreedheden in het conflict verantwoordelijk gesteld.
Eerder deze maand zijn al zeker 12.000 mensen de grens met Tsjaad over gevlucht om te ontsnappen aan het escalerende geweld. Een in Parijs in ballingschap levende rebellenleider, Abdulwahid Elnur, beschuldigde de VN er gisteren van de burgers van Darfur in de steek te laten. „Het leger en de Janjaweed moorden op klaarlichte dag, en de internationale gemeenschap doet niets.” Lees verder >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Dutch lawmaker calls for boycott of Olympic opening ceremony
THE HAGUE, Netherlands: A Dutch lawmaker wants an international boycott of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics to protest China's human rights record.
Joel Voordewind, a member of the Christian Union party, would like governments around the world to support the boycott and lean on sponsors to use their financial clout with Beijing.
"It is possible to take part in the games but skip the party beforehand," he said Tuesday. "Such a ceremony is only intended to glorify the host, China."
Voordewind also suggested setting up a venue in Beijing during the games where visitors can discuss human rights. He expected opposition from organizers, but said, "If the Chinese are against the plan, that means they are against human rights."
Voordewind has just begun enlisting world support. Neither the Dutch government nor the Olympic Committee has backed him. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>
Joel Voordewind, a member of the Christian Union party, would like governments around the world to support the boycott and lean on sponsors to use their financial clout with Beijing.
"It is possible to take part in the games but skip the party beforehand," he said Tuesday. "Such a ceremony is only intended to glorify the host, China."
Voordewind also suggested setting up a venue in Beijing during the games where visitors can discuss human rights. He expected opposition from organizers, but said, "If the Chinese are against the plan, that means they are against human rights."
Voordewind has just begun enlisting world support. Neither the Dutch government nor the Olympic Committee has backed him. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>
Monday, February 18, 2008
Intervene in Darfur
Stronger peacekeeping effort should be an international priority
The worsening situation in the western Sudanese region of Darfur is a nightmare lived out by real people who desperately need the help of all nations. The latest news: Thousands of refugees are fleeing attacks by Arab militias and Sudanese Army bombs, to the point that the wave of humanity poses an enormous threat to neighboring Chad.
The chaos has made for a toxic brew of rebels, government forces and ethnic militias, as Chadian rebels based in Sudan have tried to topple the government of Chad President Idriss Deby, who Thursday declared a state of emergency after fighting that reached the gates of the presidential palace in Ndjamena.
The rebel group that had controlled the part of Darfur under attack, the Justice and Equality Movement, warned the new United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force not to enter the area. Everyone is fair game in what has become one of the most significant acts of genocide in history. Perhaps most remarkable is that the genocide continues seemingly unabated.
Roughly 6,000 Sudanese recently reached the border town of Birak in Chad, while about the same number gathered in the nearby village. There already were 240,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, and a nearly equal number of Chadians displaced because of what is occurring along the border.
The daily reports of the atrocities occurring in Darfur are truly horrific, and the ravages have continued since 2003 when the Arab-dominated government of Sudan let loose tribal militias known as the janjaweed on non-Arab rebel groups in Darfur that were seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of Sudan’s wealth. President Bush has labeled the subsequent atrocities genocide. And yet, the bloodletting continues.
At least 200,000 people have been killed in Darfur, and 2.5 million people have been displaced. The Sudanese government has spent most of this time denying the undeniable. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The worsening situation in the western Sudanese region of Darfur is a nightmare lived out by real people who desperately need the help of all nations. The latest news: Thousands of refugees are fleeing attacks by Arab militias and Sudanese Army bombs, to the point that the wave of humanity poses an enormous threat to neighboring Chad.
The chaos has made for a toxic brew of rebels, government forces and ethnic militias, as Chadian rebels based in Sudan have tried to topple the government of Chad President Idriss Deby, who Thursday declared a state of emergency after fighting that reached the gates of the presidential palace in Ndjamena.
The rebel group that had controlled the part of Darfur under attack, the Justice and Equality Movement, warned the new United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force not to enter the area. Everyone is fair game in what has become one of the most significant acts of genocide in history. Perhaps most remarkable is that the genocide continues seemingly unabated.
Roughly 6,000 Sudanese recently reached the border town of Birak in Chad, while about the same number gathered in the nearby village. There already were 240,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, and a nearly equal number of Chadians displaced because of what is occurring along the border.
The daily reports of the atrocities occurring in Darfur are truly horrific, and the ravages have continued since 2003 when the Arab-dominated government of Sudan let loose tribal militias known as the janjaweed on non-Arab rebel groups in Darfur that were seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of Sudan’s wealth. President Bush has labeled the subsequent atrocities genocide. And yet, the bloodletting continues.
At least 200,000 people have been killed in Darfur, and 2.5 million people have been displaced. The Sudanese government has spent most of this time denying the undeniable. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Widespread damage and thousands displaced after violence in West Darfur
NEW YORK, USA,
– UNICEF has conducted its first mission to northern West Darfur in the wake of an attack by Sudanese forces there.
The assessment team visited the towns of Sirba and Abu Surouj, where buildings had been burned and thousands of residents fled. The team found widespread damage.
“Initially, people needed food and medicine, there were cases of malnutrition, but the most common problem was people were burned,” said UNICEF Resident Project Officer Naqibullah Safi. “There are some civilian casualties, but exact figures are not known. Most shelters in Sirba have been burned, and 60 to 70 per cent of Abu Surouj.”
Attacks spark mass evacuation
The attacks have sparked a mass evacuation from the region. Of the 12,000 residents of Abu Seruj, only 2,000 to 3,000 remain. But where they have gone is uncertain.
There are reports that about 12,000 people have fled into Chad, which has prompted that country’s government to say it cannot take any more refugees from Darfur. Read More >>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Darfur: Heavy bombardment by Sudanese army and the janjaweed
12,000 refugees flee Darfur for Chad: UN
Sudanese refugees return to camp after they collected fire wood in Touloum refugee camp in Eastern Chad. (File picture: AAP) The UN refugee agency says heavy bombardment and armed attacks in Darfur by the Sudanese army and the Janjaweed militia at the weekend have forced 12,000 refugees to flee into eastern Chad.
The refugees have fled to the Birak region, UN High Commissioner for Refugees spokeswoman Helene Caux told AFP on Sunday.
Eastern Chad remains highly volatile after recent fighting between Chadian government and rebel forces, which led the UNHCR to evacuate staff from the country and thousands of Chadians to cross to neighbouring Cameroon, she said.
However, the fresh refugees from Darfur "have been through the worst already," she added.
Her colleague Catherine Huck, who runs UNHCR's operations in the Chadian eastern town of Abeche, stressed the difficulties that recent unrest in Chad itself have created for aid workers. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Sudanese refugees return to camp after they collected fire wood in Touloum refugee camp in Eastern Chad. (File picture: AAP) The UN refugee agency says heavy bombardment and armed attacks in Darfur by the Sudanese army and the Janjaweed militia at the weekend have forced 12,000 refugees to flee into eastern Chad.
The refugees have fled to the Birak region, UN High Commissioner for Refugees spokeswoman Helene Caux told AFP on Sunday.
Eastern Chad remains highly volatile after recent fighting between Chadian government and rebel forces, which led the UNHCR to evacuate staff from the country and thousands of Chadians to cross to neighbouring Cameroon, she said.
However, the fresh refugees from Darfur "have been through the worst already," she added.
Her colleague Catherine Huck, who runs UNHCR's operations in the Chadian eastern town of Abeche, stressed the difficulties that recent unrest in Chad itself have created for aid workers. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Friday, February 08, 2008
Militia attacks West Darfur towns
8 February 2008
A large army-backed militia force is carrying out attacks on the West Darfur towns of Sirba and Abu Suruj. Janjawid militia on horses and in vehicles, supported by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), began their attack on the two towns on Friday morning.
According to reports from people living in the area, nine military aeroplanes from the SAF were seen overhead, described as being two MIG, two Antonov and five helicopters. The attacks started at 10am and were continuing at sunset.
The number of civilians in Sirba and Abu Suruj has grown due to an influx of internally displaced people who have fled there after earlier attacks elsewhere. The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), an armed group in Darfur opposing the Government of Sudan, seized control of the area in December 2007. It remains unclear whether JEM fighters are still in the area.
JEM fighters often station themselves within civilian areas. Attacks by Janjawid and SAF almost invariably fail to discriminate between civilian and armed groups. On 24 January, Janjawid and SAF forces carried out an indiscriminate attack on the town of Saraf Jidad near Abu Suruj. Some 24 people, mostly farmers, including the Fursha (chief) of the area, were killed in the attack. Read more >>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Sudan: Nederlandse bijdrage welkom in Darfur
KHARTUM (ANP) - Nederland is welkom om een bijdrage te leveren aan de vredesmacht UNAMID in Darfur. Dat hebben minister Maxime Verhagen (Buitenlandse Zaken) en Bert Koenders (Ontwikkelingssamenwerking) donderdag te horen gekregen van de Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir.
Eerder wees de president de bijdrage van Scandinavische landen zoals Zweden af. Het kabinet overweegt met een veldhospitaal mee te helpen aan de gemengde missie van de Verenigde Naties en de Afrikaanse Unie die de bevolking in de geteisterde West-Sudanese regio moet beschermen. Lees meer >>>>>>>>
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Sudan's evil president gloats over achievements
Opinion Headlines
The world appears to have abandoned any realistic hope that the new U.N.-African force can get Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur. It's not surprising that Sudan's embodiment of evil, President Omar al-Bashir, was — as reported on the Sudan Tribune Web site on Jan. 17 — "dancing (and) celebrating the completion of the Bridge of the Chinese-Sudanese Friendship north of Khartoum."
"With China's help," gloated al-Bashir — who has effectively obstructed the current mission of the combined force sent by the U.N. Security Council and the African Union — "Sudan will certainly score glorious achievements one after another on our path of construction and development." And China's glory in hosting this year's Olympics, so important for the improved reputation of that Chinese dictatorship, may not be tarred enough — because of its quintessential economic support of Al-Bashir — to stop that support. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The world appears to have abandoned any realistic hope that the new U.N.-African force can get Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur. It's not surprising that Sudan's embodiment of evil, President Omar al-Bashir, was — as reported on the Sudan Tribune Web site on Jan. 17 — "dancing (and) celebrating the completion of the Bridge of the Chinese-Sudanese Friendship north of Khartoum."
"With China's help," gloated al-Bashir — who has effectively obstructed the current mission of the combined force sent by the U.N. Security Council and the African Union — "Sudan will certainly score glorious achievements one after another on our path of construction and development." And China's glory in hosting this year's Olympics, so important for the improved reputation of that Chinese dictatorship, may not be tarred enough — because of its quintessential economic support of Al-Bashir — to stop that support. Read more >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Putting teeth in peace
In regard to the editorial opinion about Rich Williamson's needing resources to be effective in helping to end the crisis in Darfur: He will need a lot more than just the men and machines to help. What he will need most is the authority to give those men the go ahead to use their machines.
"Peacekeepers" are nothing of the sort. In recent history, they are mostly "deathwatchers" and victims in uniform. How often have we read of them standing by while atrocities are committed within their view, and doing nothing but watching for fear of offending the host country? Or their equipment being confiscated by marauding bad guys, and not firing even one shot in their own defense? Read more >>>>>>
"Peacekeepers" are nothing of the sort. In recent history, they are mostly "deathwatchers" and victims in uniform. How often have we read of them standing by while atrocities are committed within their view, and doing nothing but watching for fear of offending the host country? Or their equipment being confiscated by marauding bad guys, and not firing even one shot in their own defense? Read more >>>>>>
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
بيان من حركة تحرير السودان ـ القيادة الشمالية ـ عين سيرو
بيان من حركة تحرير السودان ـ القيادة الشمالية ـ عين سيرو
نحن قادة حركة تحرير السودان القيادة الشمالية عين سيرو لن نسمح للمجموعة التي بقيادة يوسف كرجوكولا وترادة بالدخول الى الاراضي التي تحت قيادتنا الى حين اطلاق سراح بعض قادتنا السياسيين والعسكريين المعتقلين لديهم .
لقد اعتقل يوسف كرجوكولا بعض قادتنا برئاسة علي هارون زهاء اسبوع.
ونحن في القيادة الشمالية ـ عين سيرو نطالب بتدخل المجتمع الدولى لاطلاق سراح هولاء المعتقلن.
قائد هيئة الاركان ـ شمال دارفور
عين سيرو
28 ديسمبر 2007
نحن قادة حركة تحرير السودان القيادة الشمالية عين سيرو لن نسمح للمجموعة التي بقيادة يوسف كرجوكولا وترادة بالدخول الى الاراضي التي تحت قيادتنا الى حين اطلاق سراح بعض قادتنا السياسيين والعسكريين المعتقلين لديهم .
لقد اعتقل يوسف كرجوكولا بعض قادتنا برئاسة علي هارون زهاء اسبوع.
ونحن في القيادة الشمالية ـ عين سيرو نطالب بتدخل المجتمع الدولى لاطلاق سراح هولاء المعتقلن.
قائد هيئة الاركان ـ شمال دارفور
عين سيرو
28 ديسمبر 2007
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