The crisis in Darfur continues where violations of human rights occur day after day. The international governments can do more to influence the Sudanese government and bring an end to this tragedy, and so can we. We cannot continue to ignore the cries that arise from that part of our global community. We must do our part as global citizens.
Next week is National Week of Student Action, sponsored by Amnesty International USA. Nationwide rallies have been scheduled and organized for March 30th in D.C., New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. For more information, click on NWSA Home 2007. These rallies are targeted at the Chinese embassies and consulates around the nation because China is the leading foreign investor in Sudan with an annual trade of roughly $1 billion. Not only that but China has developed oil fields in Sudan and Sudan is one of China's oil suppliers. Beyond that, China has also been a supplier of arms and equipment to the government of Sudan and the Janjawid - documented by Amnesty International. These arms and equipment have been used in the operations in Darfur. The Chinese government is in a unique position to influence the Sudanese government, not just as arms supplier but also as a key trading partner. China also abstained from voting for the UN Security Council Resolution 1706 which deployed UN Peacekeepers to the area to replace the African Union Mission. This has sent a mixed message to the Sudanese government as to the international community's commitment to find a viable security arrangement for the people of Darfur and eastern Chad. Thus China cannot be exempt from the responsibility, along with the Sudanese government and the Janjawid, of continued atrocities targeting the civilians of Sudan. More information can be found on Amnesty International's website.
The Save Darfur Coalition also has information and background on this crisis as well as actions you can take. We must act and be a voice for those who are crying out in Darfur and the surrounding countries.
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