The Crisis in Darfur
The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan is an example of sectarian violence at its worst. So what can we do about it here, halfway around the world, in the United States?
More importantly, what can you as an individual do to help in the ongoing crisis?
Well first, educate yourself so you have an understanding of the conflict and its history. The problems in Darfur are a complex mix of political, social, economic and environmental troubles that are affecting millions of people.
Do some research on the subject.
Find out what's going on, what's at stake and what needs to be done.
Check out these two links from
the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Sudanese Embassy.
So far the fighting in Darfur has displaced more than two million people and killed hundreds of thousands more. Attacks on civilians are frequent - and most often brutal - including killing and rape.
The United States has given millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance and USAID, yet the crisis continues, so clearly money is not the only answer to solving the problems.
So what else can you do?
Why not turn to a tried and true method of communication? Write a letter.
Contact your local newspaper.
Write to your local elected officials.
Let your Congressional Representatives and Senators know how you feel about the crisis and what you think needs to be done.
But don't just stay local.
Why not write a letter to the State Department or President Bush? Furthermore, while you're at it write to the United Nations or even the Sudanese government.
You've already written the letter, so send it to as many people as possible. The more voices heard and the more people interested, the more chances there are for change.
The atrocities in Darfur need to end and soon.
Every voice can help, so why not lend yours to the crisis and help those in Darfur who cannot help themselves?