President Bashir: Wanted for Genocide

Yesterday, the International Criminal Court issued a second arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for three counts of genocide in Darfur.

We welcome the decision by the ICC judges, because justice and accountability are critical components of a comprehensive and lasting solution to the crisis in Darfur. However, we are concerned that the Government of Sudan will retaliate against civilians, aid workers and peacekeepers on the ground.

In March 2009, President Bashir responded to the original arrest warrant by evicting more than a dozen international aid groups from Sudan and putting thousands of lives at risk. The international community did little to challenge this, and critically needed serviceswere lost and never replaced in Darfur.

The Obama Administration must immediately make clear to the Government of Sudan that any reaction to that threatens civilians, aid workers or peacekeepers in Darfur will not be tolerated. Please call 1-800-GENOCIDE right now and ask Secretary Clinton to ensure that the United States leads the world in preventing the Government of Sudan from retaliating against its own people.

This is a critical moment for the people of Sudan. Please take 2 minutes and call 1-800-GENOCIDE today.

Photo: Reuters