Advocate
How to Take Action
Take action right now by reviewing the latest action alert. You can receive action alerts via e-mail by joining the Genocide Intervention Network — it's free!
More Ways to Take Action
There are more easy ways for you to take action. Make a difference for the people of Darfur today. You can:
- Support the Genocide Intervention Network
- Use our tool kit to contact your members of Congress
- Hold an event to raise money and awareness
- Join the Sudan divestment campaign
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
Learn more about current Darfur legislation.
The Political Situation
July 14, 2008: International Criminal Court Seeks Arrest of Sudanese President Bashir
ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo submitted evidence to a panel of three judges in The Hague who will decide whether to issue a warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's arrest. President Bashir is alleged to have masterminded and carried out genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. This indictment has been hailed as a triumph of justice over impunity, but also raises fears of retaliation by the Sudanese government against humanitarian workers and peacekeepers in Darfur. This indictment marks the first time that a sitting head of state has been accused of such crimes by the ICC.
July 9, 2008: Six UNAMID Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush
Six UNAMID members were killed in an ambush during a patrol in North Darfur. The peacekeepers are from Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda. Several other UNAMID peacekeepers are wounded and others are still missing. Presently, it is unclear who is responsible for the attack. UNAMID currently has only 9,000 of the planned 26,000 troops deployed on the ground, and lacks the helicopters that it says are necessary to be effective in the region.
July 8, 2008: Sudan Approves Election Law Allowing Local and Proportional Representation in Goverment
In accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005-which ended the two-decade civil war between North and South Sudan-the government of Sudan has approved a new electoral law. The law, which has been hailed by the U.S. Department of State, grants proportional representation to political parties. It also allows for 60% of Parliament to be elected directly by voters in local constituencies and grants women 25% of seats. Although this is a positive step forward toward the implementation of the CPA, Sudan still must appoint an electoral commission. Additionally, the US is encouraging Sudan to agree to international election observers and to allow for free media in the upcoming 2009 election.
July 6, 2008: Rebel Group Claims to Have Killed 157 Government Troops
Rebel group SLM-Unity issued a press release stating that its troops ambushed a mechanical battalion of the Sudanese army in North Darfur, killing 157 government soldiers. This report has not been verified by international sources.