WORLDWIDE EVENTS TO MARK GLOBAL DAY FOR DARFUR

On Sunday, September 17, communities in 41 countries around the world will join together to call on the international community to take serious steps toward stopping the genocide in Darfur. With increased attacks on civilians and the African Union mandate set to expire, it is critical that the international community acts on its commitment to protect civilians in Darfur and its commitment to a sustainable peacekeeping force in the region.

Although the United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions condemning the genocide in Darfur and has called for a U.N. peacekeeping force in the region, the Sudanese government recently stated that it will not allow U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur. Currently, African Union forces are on the ground to help protect civilians against attacks, but have a weak mandate and are scheduled to leave at the end of September. Increased attacks, renewed aerial bombing, and the deployment of Sudanese troops to Darfur are all indications that the situation in Darfur is getting worse.

As September 17th also marks the start of the United Nations General Assembly, the Global Day for Darfur represents an  opportunity to call upon member states of the U.N. to bring peace and security to Darfur. New York City will host the largest event in the United States with a rally and musical performances planned for Central Park from 2:00-5:00 pm. Other major rallies are planned for Kigali, Rwanda, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and London, England.

Common themes for the worldwide rallies are the protection of civilians and the need to pressure the Sudanese government to  alter its hard-line stance against allowing U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur. People attending events around the world are asked to wear a blue hat to demonstrate the need for a viable and sustainable force of U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur.

Visit www.dayfordarfur.org to learn more and find events close to your home. Join us in the effort to bring the genocide in Darfur to an end.

+ DARFUR RESOURCE CENTER

Updated September 14, 2006