Archive for May 4th, 2006
Darfur: Pointing the Activist Train in a Different Direction
Perusing cyberspace this morning I am come across several pieces which lean toward the pessimistic in regard to the situation in Darfur. Reading just the essay cited in the post below is enough to bring on a certain degree of pessimism. I have even seen several referrals to using mercenaries, ( and god we thought our plan was so original), to the history of various African countries corrupt histories, ( Sudan's specifically), all which gives one the feeling that this is an exercise in futility.
In an interview by Kamilo Tafeng Louise Arbour, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights notes that…
Sexual violence against women in Darfur is worsening amid a general deterioration in security and human rights in Sudan's vast west, the top U.N. human rights official said after touring the region. "The situation (in Darfur) is poor, bad and very alarming and what is particularly sad is to see no progress and a deterioration of the situation,".
The increased publicity induced by the sudden interest of celebrities while helpful in regard to putting a large spotlight, or at least a flashlight with working batteries on the situation so we here can see it ,is a good thing only in that it may help pressure our country to act. But as noted in an article at Winds of Change The rally for Darfur: A feel-good exercise it would be more suitable to be protesting outside the UN and Sudanese embassies. There is a link there to a campaign by the Reform Jewish Movement that will…
that will ask America’s faith communities to join together to visit every embassy and consulate of the NATO and African Union nations, Russia, and China by June 2nd, before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
Go check it out. In the meantime – U.S. pushes for Darfur deal before third deadline.
