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 >>>>>>>>>

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 >>>>>>>>>>

Darfur Deaths Now Estimated At 300,000 While World Watches

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 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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>>>>

Darfur crisis - Whom to blame?