Sudan Policy Review

The long-awaited Sudan Policy Review was released by the Obama Adminstration today. Overall reaction from activist organizations is that it stronger than it was believed it was going to be based upon the statements and actions of Sudan Special Envy Gration, that it has the potential to be effective, but that we must keep the pressure on. The real marker of success will be changes on the ground in Sudan, including things like implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan and the ability of Darfuries to return to their homes in peace and safety. In addition, it includes language about accountability for past actions, something that is important to the people of Darfur.

There is a new action on 1-800-GENOCIDE related to the release of the policy. Please take a few minutes to call today and ask to connect to the White House to leave a message for President Obama. You will be given information about what to say prior to being connected to the White House.

You can read reaction/analysis at the following sites:

http://blogfordarfur.org/archives/tag/sudan-policy-review

http://www.enoughproject.org/publications/fierce-urgency-implementation

http://www.genocideintervention.net/network/pressroom/pressreleases/2009/10/19/2881

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-prendergast19-2009oct19,0,7655239.story

Please read this editorial that ran recently in the San Antonio Express-News. It points out the need for us to keep the pressure on President Obama to deliver on his campaign promises.

American Approach to Darfur Genocide Woefully Lacking

Want an easy action to follow up with? Stop Genocide Now has done the work for you, just go here and copy the provided message to send to the White House:

Stop Genocide Now

Top policy advisors on Sudan are supposed to meet today to discuss policy. Please take a minute to send President Obama a message asking him to get personally involved and fulfill his campaign promises. The link below will take you to a page where you can quickly send a message and also find a link to a Washington Post opinion piece that discusses disturbing comments made yesterday by Sudan Special Envoy Gration.

www.genocideintervention.net

here is the White House's response:

White House pushes back

Relief Beads is a grassroots campaign raising awareness and support for Relief International’s humanitarian efforts in Darfur. Founded in 2007, Relief Beads has raised tens of thousands of dollars, which has provided life-saving relief for thousands of refugees. Each Relief Beads bracelet truly makes a difference!

Contributions raised by Relief Beads aided in the construction of the only Women’s Development Center in Darfur. The center is a place where women and children victimized by the crisis are able to get professional medical and psychological support. Relief Beads bracelets are assembled by the women at the center and this provides them with an invaluable opportunity to contribute to their own livelihoods.

Relief Beads is also currently raising funds to build a Children's Malnutrition Center at the second largest refugee camp in Darfur, Zam Zam.

Please vist the website at www.reliefbeads.org to learn more about this wonderful organization the work they’re doing to help IDP’s in Darfur, and to order bracelets for yourself and your friends!

(from Orange County for Darfur. Reused with permission)

Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission

SAIDC coordinator of advocacy Susan Smylie had an op-ed in a recent San Antonio Express-News. Take a look at it here:

Why Study Genocide? Here's Why?

Be a Guerrilla for Darfur

Please go to this website and send a fax to President Obama, asking him to fulfill his campaign promises on Darfur. This is an easy action that is free and takes about a minute:

http://darfurguerrillaaction.blogspot.com/

Moved by Faith: A Call for Peace in Sudan

Current events in Sudan are dire, and it is critical that the faith community revive engagement with Sudan not only in their local community, but also internationally. This summer clergy of all denominations will unite in prayer for the people of Sudan. Together, we can keep loud the drumbeat for engagement on peace and security for all of Sudan. For more information, go to: http://www.savedarfur.org/pages/moved_by_faith_a_call_for_peace_in_sudan

Join other faith leaders in signing the letter calling on President Obama to continue his work for lasting peace in Sudan.

Signing the letter is only the first step. The weekend of August 28th-30th, just before the U.S. takes the Presidency of the UN Security Council in September, communities of faith will unite in prayer and action for Sudan. Sign up as a Congregation of Conscience for forthcoming details.