Category: Blog

Take Action: Contact Congress

The Sudan Needs You! advocacy campaign has ended. To learn more about the situation in Darfur and what you can do to help, visit our action center.

Download a Letter To The Congress template or modify the example below.

Sudan Needs You! Campaign

Dear (Representative (______)/Senator (______),

My name is (____), and I am from (state of ____).

I am writing to bring to your attention the urgent situation in Sudan and ask for your help to speak up for the suffering people of Sudan. Until today, over 95% of Darfur has fallen under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control, and there is no more barricade in front of their slaughter and extermination of the indigenous African population. This is why I am appealing to you for help and support.

The war in Sudan that ignited on April 15th , 2023 is now completely out of  control. While the atrocities in Khartoum constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the international law, in Darfur, an active genocide has been systematically carried out against indigenous African people. The international community must take action to end it and hold those responsible accountable.

As of this week, Darfur has completely fallen under the RSF occupation – with the exception of Elfasher in North Darfur. In recent weeks, mass killings have escalated to an alarming rate, and with its scale enlarging: first in El Geneina, West Darfur, and now in Ardamta Kutum, Tawila in North Darfur, Mornay in West Darfur, and Nyala in South Darfur. But the international community remained silent and the inaction is indirectly legitimizing the slaughter and extermination of the indigenous African population in Sudan. The only city that has yet to be attacked is El-Daein, the capital of East Darfur state and the stronghold of Rezaigat tribes.
However, the military in El-Daein has declared its full support and affiliation to the RSF and now civilians are facing new waves of attacks

The RSF’s attacks are systemic and precisely directed toward the indigenous African population. These attacks include mass slaughtering of innocent people, deprivation of access to food, water, and medical assistance, a blockade to the access of phone services, internet, electricity, and other
services. These actions constitute a precise strategy to isolate civilians and to eliminate all survival means and humanitarian aid. News confirmed that over 1,300 civilians have been slaughtered; among the murdered were over 800 young men, most of whom were between the ages of 15-30. Since the beginning of the war, it is estimated that more than 1.2 million people
have fled from their homes. Most of them are women and children, with approximately 1 in 6 of whom are with disabilities. Women of all ages are in terrible danger as they are targeted constantly to be treated as sexual slaves and raped on a daily basis.

Here are the immediate actions that need to be taken by the US:

  • Robust intervention to protect civilians and to stop the genocide in Darfur.
  • Open an unhindered humanitarian access channel in Sudan and Darfur to reach all those in need.
  • Pursue accountability for those most responsible for the past and current genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur and across the Sudan.
  • Impose targeted sanctions such as freezing assets, travel bans, and sanctioning all business associated with the two warring generals in Sudan in order to cut the funding for their weapons.
  • Deploy immediate humanitarian intervention to all in need inside Sudan and in the neighboring countries with and without the permission of the government.
  • Hold the regional enablers of the genocide in Darfur accountable, including regional and international actors supplying funds and weaponry to the RSF.
  • Provide support of the CSOs and women who are historically marginalized Sudanese civilians in order to have the capacity and voice at all levels of decision-making for solutions to the current crises.

I implore you to call on the US government to also take an Atrocities Prevention Approach. In the face of genocide and the current unspeakable atrocities, solutions must take an atrocity prevention approach that starts with civilian protection and distribution of humanitarian aid. This
should be followed by pursuing accountability for the most heinous international crimes, which will then create an environment that enables a peaceful transformation of Sudan.

As my state representative I look up to you for support and voice. Silence and lack of reporting will aid the perpetrators. Remember, as humans, we have a moral and ethical obligation to speak up when acts of genocide occur.

Under international law when civilians are under attack, face mass killings, and are in the absence of humanitarian assistance, the international community, including the US, bears the responsibility to intervene to protect civilians and save lives. In the face of devastating crises in
Sudan and the rapidly escalating genocidal attacks in Darfur, we must not let US leaders look the other way. The crisis in Sudan and the catastrophe in Darfur are of global magnitude which requires global response that includes the demand that US government must act as one voice to
help end this genocide and hold perpetrators accountable.

It is imperative that the US stands with the people of Darfur and Sudan in this difficult time and work with allies to bring protection and accountability to the victims of the crisis, to be followed by peace and a civilian-led government. This is the only way to prevent genocide and bring
about democracy and sustainable peace. As a member of your constituency, I look up to you and kindly urge you to be my voice and the voice for those voiceless in Darfur by supporting these immediate actions.

Thank you for your serious consideration of this urgent request.

Sincerely,

(Name)

Sample Letter: Sudan Needs You! Campaign Statement

For more up to date information, please contact: communication@darfurwomenaction.org.

Download the template here: Sudan Needs You Campaign Statement

Sudan Needs You!
Darfur Needs You Now More than Ever!
Speak up!

Darfur’s genocide has been ongoing for over 23 years – and the number of civilian casualties increases every day while the world remains SILENT!

 

Dear DWAG Supporters:
We are reaching out to you with an urgent appeal!
As of this week, with the exception of El-Fasher in North Darfur, which is also on the brink of collapse, Darfur has completely fallen under the Rapid Support Force’s (RSF) control. In recent weeks, mass killings have escalated to an alarming rate as the world remains silent. The inaction of the international community is indirectly legitimizing the slaughter and extermination of the indigenous African population in Sudan – and this is why we are appealing to you for help now.

As you know, since April 15th, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in vicious violence when two generals started a devastating war in Sudan’s capital over a power struggle for control of the country. The war quickly spread across Sudan, throwing the entire country into a state of collapse, and creating unspeakable suffering for the Sudanese people. Death and destruction encapsulated Sudan, particularly in the capital Khartoum. While RSF occupied civilians’ homes, using rape and other sexual violence as a war tactic, the shelling, air bombardment and machine gun attacks from the government forces (SAF) targeted civilians’ homes, markets,
bridges, other basic services locations and evacuation routes. Rape, sexual, and gender-based violence have been confirmed to have been committed against women and girls, and also included abductions and sexual slavery during these attacks both in Khartoum and Darfur by RSF fighters. While the atrocities in Khartoum may constitute war crimes and crimes against
humanity, and, therefore, punishable under international law, in Darfur active genocide has been systematically carried out against indigenous Africans. The international community must take action to end it and to hold those responsible accountable.

 

Patterns of Ethnically Targeted Attacks and Extermination of Indigenous Africans in Darfur

The mass killing in the Darfur region has escalated to an alarming scale. The RSF’s attacks are systemic and precisely directed toward the indigenous African population. Ordinary civilians were mass slaughtered, deprived of access to food, water, and medical assistance. To make matters worse, a blockade of access to phone services, internet, electric and other services has been used as part of a calculated plan aimed at isolating civilians inside cities from the outside world by eliminating all means of survival and life saving aid. The RSF has also forced the remaining population into a massive exodus that they have been witnessing since June. These patterns of genocidal tactics have been deliberately used and seen in El Geneina, West Darfur in June and now are being repeated in Ardamta. Similar attacks in Kutum and Tawila in North Darfur, Mornay in West Darfur and Nyala in South Darfur have inflicted indescribable destruction which have killed an undocumented number of people and forced most of the residents to flee their homeland. They are now crowding in El Fasher as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and facing imminent attacks once again. While the RSF forces are moving swiftly through the Darfur region, attacking and isolating many more cities, they are spreading video messages confirming their intention to destroy and kill more people, including those vulnerable
in refugee camps. They claimed that their ultimate goal is “liberating the land from Abeed “, an Arabic word for slaves.

Many of us in the Diaspora have been forced to watch our families and friends being killed as their bodies are dragged across the streets of Elgeniena and degraded with racial slurs and insults. Those who survived were constantly terrified and forced to flee the only place they have
ever known as home in an unprecedentedly humiliating and inhumane mass expulsion by their attackers. We had hoped to never live to see such atrocities committed while the entire world watches but does very little or nothing to stop them.

This week, we were deeply shocked and ultimately hurt to see masses of young people beaten to death and their bodies dragged out into the streets of Ardamata by Janjaweed. Also this week, a video of mass murder began to circulate online, with wounded people being buried alive while their relatives and members of their communities are forced to witness. News
confirmed that over 1,300 civilians have been slaughtered, among them over 80 were young men, most of whom between 15-30. At the same time, prominent leaders of Masalit and other indigenous Africans were selectively murdered along with their family members. Some families
have been completely wiped out, with no one left behind to tell their story.

While all of this horror took place and was well documented, powerful world leaders, including the US President Joe Biden remained silent. That is why we need you and your voice to call on them to demand that they must speak up and take action. Silence only aids the perpetrators!

 

The danger of Darfur being out of the realm of government and being fully controlled by the RSF.

Currently, more than 98% of the greater Darfur region is in complete chaotic anarchy or out of the realm of government, with lack of any control over its borders. Today, in a region the size of France, only two cities remain partially controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while the RSF controls the rest of the entire area and intensifies its attacks and occupation of people’s homes and blockades civilians’ movement within and outside of the cities.  If allowed to continue, it will be the final stage of extermination of the indigenous Darfur people, including those who survived in 2003.

What makes the situation in Darfur even more dire is that in mid-June, seven Sheikh or “leaders of civil administration” from seven Arab tribes publicly declared their full support of the RSF and urged youth and men of their tribes to mobilize in support of the RSF in its genocidal attacks
and control over Darfur and Sudan. So now our people are not only faced with attack by RSF forces, but also by a coalition of seven Arab tribes from Darfur and Kordofan.

The only city that has yet to be attacked in Darfur is El-Daein, the capital of East Darfur state, and stronghold of Rezaigat tribes. However, the military in El-Daein has declared its full support and affiliation to the RSF. Sadly, this means now the RSF has control over the five states of Darfur, with the exception of El-Fasher. Now with few obstacles facing it, the RSF can dedicate itself as one of the most institutionalized genocidal machines in human history against an indigenous African population. At the same time, world leaders are silently watching or limited to few words of condemnation.

We at DWAG Say NO to the silence against the ongoing and escalating genocide in Darfur!

And that is why we need you to add your voice to ours to compel world leaders to take concerted action to stop this genocide, save lives and hold criminals accountable.

But we can’t do this alone without your voice and your support!

As evident by the attacks in El Geneina, the RSF and Janjaweed are actively repeating the 2003 Darfur genocide. However, the current situation is worse than 2003 in its magnitude, scope and nature. Today, the Janjaweed, who used to attack on camel and horseback, has become nationally recognized as the RSF, with advanced weaponry, technology, military and financial
support from powerful regional and international enablers. While back in 2003, most of the attacks were perpetrated in villages where people would flee to the cities where refugee camps were established, now those cities and camps are the main target of genocidal attacks, having killed uncountable civilians, and forced millions to flee with nowhere to turn.

Today there are no international humanitarian agencies in Darfur, no journalists allowed to go in, and no international diplomats or UN agencies operating. Sadly, the genocide victims are left alone to fend for themselves. The situation today in Darfur is more dangerous than any one can imagine.

All the attacks started with the RSF looting food stores, including those of the World Food Program and other aid agencies and storage warehouses. Subsequently they also burned the markets, destroyed the hospitals and all clinics, looted and burned pharmacies, and poisoned most of the main water sources. As confirmed by sources on the ground, this was all done with the deliberate intent of eliminating all means of survival. Those crimes occurred while the SAF stayed in the army garrisons and left civilians to fend for themselves. A small number of Darfur armed opposition troops belonging to Juba peace signatories tried to intervene, but they were
under equipped and lacked adequate capacity to protect civilians. They were quickly overridden by the RAF’s advanced weapons during the fights in Elgeniena, Zalingie and Nyala

While desperately attempting to flee for their lives, many civilians have been forced back and some who ventured out were shot and killed instantly. In June and in the recent attacks, while still under attack, most remaining hostages in El Geneina were dependent on one water source
where people lined up for days to get a small amount for their families. Sources confirmed that children were given one cup of water in the morning and another in the evening, barely enough to survive during the course of the month of forced lockdown in El Geneina. This situation in El
Geneina is beyond dehumanization and has affected the entire population of the state of West Darfur.

 

The Presence of Multinational Troops in Darfur

Today the dangerous reality of Darfur is that the RSF has proven to be a multi-national militia. While the majority of its troops are from Sudan, many more are from west and central African countries, including Arab militias respectively from the Republic of Mali, Niger, Central African
Republic, Chad and Libya. The introduction of cross-border uncontrolled troops roaming across six nations alone proves to be the most dangerous trend. With the history of terrorist activities from Sudan to Mali in the region, if left unchecked, those temporary militia forces may evolve
into ISIS or al-Qaeda Army-like regional extremists forces, fueling crises that both international and regional actors will be forced to respond to – but it will be too late to contain them. So the international community must act before it’s too late! We urge you to speak up and demand an intervention that can stop the genocide in Darfur and prevent Sudan from disintegration.

The genocide victims who survived in 2003 were able to do so because of you, the American public and the international citizens, civil society and human rights groups who mobilized against genocide chose to speak up and demanded action!

The people of Darfur have suffered for over 20 plus years of genocidal attacks. Three million people, who have been displaced over the years, continue to be attacked and further displaced. They have yet to return because attackers have yet to be held accountable. They are again under unprecedented systemic attacks guided by deliberate extermination plans against the indigenous African population. The situation in Darfur today is worse than it was in 2003. The traditional methods used by Darfuris as a foundation of survival in the past have been completely removed. A regional supply of troops from various countries equally makes control or a solution at the national level impossible.

That is why we need you; Sudan needs you, but Darfur needs you more than ever! Please speak up loudly and demand protection of civilians in Darfur to be a top priority for the US Government and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). 

 

What you can do to help: Tell the US and the UNSC that Sudan needs an Atrocities Prevention Approach.

In the face of genocide and current unspeakable atrocities, solutions must take an atrocity prevention approach that starts with civilian protection and distribution of humanitarian aid. This should be followed by pursuing accountability for the most serious international crimes, which will then create an environment that enables peaceful transformation of Sudan.

Therefore, we need you to add your voices to ours to call on the US Government and the member states of the UNSC to take the following steps:

● Intervene robustly to protect civilians and to stop the genocide in Darfur.
● Open an unhindered humanitarian accessibility channel in Sudan and  Darfur, in particular, to reach all those in need.
● Pursue accountability for those most responsible for past and current genocide behavior, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur and across the Sudan.
● Impose targeted sanctions, such as freezing assets, imposing travel bans and sanctioning all businesses associated with the two warring generals in Sudan, and to cut the funding for weapons.
● Deploy immediate humanitarian intervention to all in need inside Sudan and in the neighboring countries with and without the permission of the government.
● Hold the regional enablers of the genocide in Darfur accountable, including regional and international actors supplying funds and weaponry to the RSF.
● Provide support of the CSOs and women from historically marginalized Sudanese to have capacity and voice at all levels of decision-making processes regarding solutions to the current crises.

Under international law when civilians are under attack, face mass killing and absent humanitarian assistance, the international community, including the US and UNSC, bears the responsibility to intervene to protect civilians and save lives.

In the face of devastating crises in Sudan and the rapidly escalating genocidal attacks in Darfur, we must not let our leaders look the other way.

Other ways to help:

● Send our “Letter To The Congress” that contains all of our demands and requests Congress Letter to your representatives and call their offices to ask that they be the voice for the people of Sudan and demand US leadership in ending genocide and holding perpetrators accountable.
● Donate to DWAG https://www.darfurwomenaction.org/donate/ or other organizations providing support to the local level emergency response initiatives in Sudan.
● Join and support our campaign Sudan Needs You! and share it via your social media platform with 100 people.

The crisis in Sudan and the catastrophe in Darfur are of global magnitude which requires global response but if we can speak in one voice and demand our government and the UN to work for an end, we can end this genocide and hold perpetrators accountable.

With our collective effort we can make a difference!

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Sample Letter: Stand with the People of Sudan for Accountability and Civilian Protection

For more up to date information, please contact: communication@darfurwomenaction.org.

Download the template here: Sample Letter to Representative.

Dear (Representative/Congressman/Congresswoman/Senator xxxxx),

My name is (xxxx), and I am from (state of xxx). I am extremely concerned and appalled by the current situation in Sudan. As you know, on April 15th, the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – led by Generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, respectively – launched brutal and indiscriminate attacks inside Khartoum and other areas using heavy machine guns, artillery fire, and military planes without regard for civilian safety.

As of this week, 420 people—including 264 civilians—have lost their lives, and over 3,700 have been wounded, largely in Khartoum. The actual numbers—particularly from remote areas such as Darfur—have yet to be documented. Humanitarian aid workers and diplomatic personnel have suffered attacks, as seen in the tragic deaths of World Food Program (WFP) workers in Kabkabiya town, as well as violence and looting in both Darfur and Khartoum. Despite calls from the international community for a truce, fighting continues to occur even as civilians remain trapped in dangerous situations and have nowhere to go. To make matters worse, the government has placed civilians at a greater risk of death by cutting power, access to the internet, and phone services in most cities, effectively depriving them of emergency services and other basic needs such as food and shelter.

If the situation remains unaddressed, Sudan will face the worst humanitarian crisis of our modern days and the high cost of human lives between the killings, destruction, and the lack of access to aid and life-saving assistance. We believe the current crises in Sudan are due to a lack of accountability and enforcement of the rule of law for the former regime’s past crimes, such as the genocide in Darfur and the military coup in Sudan that today’s military rivals had organized.

In October 2021, military forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo staged a coup, taking over the government by force, deposing Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok from power, and detaining several government officials and activists while dissolving the transitional government. Despite facing an uphill battle against military forces, the Sudanese people continued to rise up while peacefully resisting the military coup. However, the junta government met peaceful protests rejecting the coup with excessive force, imprisonment, and killing in the streets. Subsequently, attacks on innocent civilians in Darfur had alarmingly escalated in the aftermath of the coup and in the lead-up to this fighting, leaving the already vulnerable people more prone to insecurity, disease, starvation, and death during this critical time. There have been reports of violence in South Kordofan, Marawi, and the Blue Nile too.

The fighting in Sudan today is an indirect result of the international community’s lack of serious accountability measures against the military generals in Sudan who formerly worked together to overthrow the civilian government. The United States has condemned and called for a halt to the fighting, yet more practical accountability measures need to stop the war and to ensure the restoration of a civilian-led government; it will be essential to exert pressure on Sudanese military officials. The US and the UNSC have the tools to address the situation effectively.

I appreciate the United States’s efforts in condemning the recent fighting and the 2021 coup and calling for the end of this conflict. However, to end this war, restore a civilian-led government, and promote peace and stability, I urge you in your roles to demand that the US must hold the military leaders in Sudan accountable by imposing criminal and financial accountability. As a member of your constituency, I implore you to be our voice and a voice for the people of Sudan in their time of critical need by urging the US government to take the following measures:

  • Push Sudan to immediately stop the fighting and open unimpeded nationwide access to humanitarian agencies so they can deliver life-saving assistance.
  • Press the Sudanese government to restore power, water, internet, and phone access to preserve lives without further delay.
  • Urge the US government to impose targeted sanctions, asset freezing, and travel bans on individuals responsible for the current crisis, the coup, and ordering excessive force against civilians to ensure they face accountability for their actions.
  • Call on the US government to prioritize accountability, the promotion of human rights, and life with dignity for the people of Sudan.

It is imperative that the US stands with the people of Sudan in this difficult time and works with allies to bring a civilian-led government that will bring about democracy and sustainable peace. As members of your constituency, we look up to you and kindly urge you to be our voice and a voice for those voiceless in Sudan by supporting US efforts to end the crisis in Sudan and support bipartisan legislation that will impose targeted sanctions on the military junta to cut their access to arms and funding to save lives before it is too late. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(Name)

The Benefits of Hosting Refugees vs. the Politics of Anti-Refugee Sentiment

By: Shreya Dandu

This blog will highlight the facts and the trends of global migration and will shed a light on the current situation of Darfur refugees, while recognizing the value and the outstanding contributions the refugee community makes worldwide and how we can leverage that.

It’s extremely concerning that the global number of people forced to flee persecution, violence, and conflict has now crossed the staggering milestone of 100 million for the first time on record. The overall figure includes refugees, asylum seekers, and the 59.1 million people that are internally displaced within their own countries. If all of these people made up a single country, it would be considered to be the 14 the most populous country in the world. Sudan, in particular, saw the deterioration of its humanitarian crisis within this past year, as violence intensified and the number of IDPs increased to over 3.2 million. Around 442,000 internal displacements were reported during 2021, which is more than five times the figures reported for the previous year and the highest since 2014. More than 80 percent of the 3 million internally displaced people of Sudan live in the 5 Darfur states, with more than 200 incidents of violence reported within Darfur in 2021. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, Sudan is one of the 10 most neglected displacement crises in the world due to lack of media attention, lack of funding, and lack of international political and diplomatic initiatives.

Despite the worsening refugee crisis and the need for people to reach safety, the persisting debate over if refugees are bad for the host countries still remains. The United States has seen a downward trend in the admittance of refugees despite the fact that the number of people being forced to flee their homes is increasing. During the Trump administration, the United States saw a sharp decrease in the admittance of refugees mainly due to the administration arguing that refugees will take away jobs from citizens and cost the government more money. Similar sentiments were echoed across Europe, as growing populist sentiments have allowed for migration policy to be controlled. The perpetuation of these myths has been extremely harmful to refugees, as there have been numerous studies that stress the positive impact that refugees have in their host countries.

One of the most harmful and most common arguments against the admittance of refugees is that natives of the host country often lose jobs to refugees due to increased competition. Many migration economists believe that refugees actually create new jobs by creating new businesses,
spending their incomes on American goods and services, and by raising the productivity of U.S businesses. New research also indicates that refugees could contribute about $3.2 billion to the U.S economy if they are given equal access to employment opportunities and are paid the same
wages as their native-born American counterparts. A draft study by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2017 found that refugees brought in $63 billion more in government revenues over the past decade than they cost. Refugees also boast high rates of entrepreneurship
– surpassing other immigrants and U.S natives. Over 13 percent of refugees were entrepreneurs in the United States during 2015, compared to the 9 percent of U.S natives. Experts estimate that when refugees start their businesses, they can generate up to $100 million each year, benefitting
their host countries immensely. Refugees also fill up jobs in key industries like the service and agricultural sectors. Many Darfuri refugees, in particular, have experience being farmers and worked their land for income generation, and often kept goats, cattle, or camels. According to
interviews, many refugees from Darfur are eager to work despite them facing cultural differences.

Refugees can also help their home countries in the medium to long-term when they are resettled in foreign countries. Refugees are noted to have a significant role in transferring technology and knowledge back home, translating into more competitive and diversified economies. Many Darfuri refugees and migrants have sent remittances back home to their family in Sudan, which have been mainly used by their families for consumption needs, helping the humanitarian situation there. In 2020, it was reported that Sudan has received over $495 million in personal remittances.

Given how refugees can be a huge asset to host countries if given the proper protections and support by host countries, it is only natural to wonder what the United States could do to help admit more refugees. The Biden administration is working on a private sponsorship program that currently helps admit Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) urges everyone to voice support for the private sponsorship program to include refugees from any country, particularly refugees from Darfur. In addition, it is also important to show support in staffing up government agencies that work in resettling refugees in order to streamline the security vetting process. Since many Darfuri refugees initially face difficulties in adapting to the cultural differences in their host countries, you can donate to DWAG to help Darfuri refugees to adapt to the cultural differences.

In celebration of World Refugee Day, it is important to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home in order to escape conflict and persecution. It is important to raise awareness for all the positive contributions refugees make around the world.
It is vital for everyone to remember that accepting more refugees isn’t just the morally correct thing to do, but also a smart choice to make, benefitting  everyone involved.

Shreya Dandu is a current student at George Mason University, with a major in Global Affairs and minor in Legal Studies. She serves as the current policy intern for Darfur Women Action Group.

Letter to the United Nations Security Council in Commemoration of World Refugee Day

To: H.E. Mr. Ferit Hoxha

Representative to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations

288 E 45th St. 7th Floor 

New York, NY 10017

Cc: All Member States of the United Nations Security Council 

Stand with Sudanese Refugees

For Civilian Protection 

Your Excellency Ambassador Hoxha,

Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is writing to you in commemoration of World Refugee Day, June 20th, to express its grave concern about the situation that Sudanese refugees are facing, in particular, those displaced because of the genocidal violence that has been occurring in Darfur for nearly 20 years. 

The Darfur genocide, which began in the early 2000s under the leadership of former president Omar al-Bashir, has led to the displacement of over three million people, of which hundreds of thousands have been forced to seek refuge across Africa, particularly in neighboring countries such as Chad, which hosts 370,000 Darfuris and Egypt, which hosts a 56,100 Sudanese refugee, the overwhelming majority of which are Darfuris respectively. Despite the overthrow of Bashir in 2019 and efforts towards a transition to democracy in Sudan, genocidal violence and skyrocketing levels of displacement continued to plague Darfur. Now, the October 25th military coup has further emboldened and energized the Janjaweed and RSF to escalate its attacks in Darfur because they know they may commit them without repercussions. Today the situation across Darfur is reaching catastrophic levels, with unimaginable loss of lives and humanitarian crises inflicting unbearable pain and suffering on innocent men, women, and children. While violence has escalated throughout the region, West Darfur has experienced levels of brutal violence that have not been seen since the early days of the genocide. We fear that if the violence continues to escalate, it will cause even higher levels of displacement and suffering for the people of Darfur. 

DWAG is extremely alarmed by the situation Darfuri refugees are facing upon their arrival into what are supposed to be safer conditions. The majority of the 370,000 Darfuri refugees in Chad live in refugee camps and host communities in the regions of Ennedi-Est, Wadi Fira, Ouaddai, and Sila, which are located near the border between the two countries. While most Darfuris arrived in Chad following the genocidal campaign that began in 2002, due to the escalation of violence in West Darfur since the October coup, more than 12,000 Sudanese refugees, most of them children, women, and seniors, have arrived in Chad. Nevertheless, the situation remains catastrophic for Darfuri refugees in Chad, as the security situation is very precarious. Numerous reports of violent attacks and theft at gunpoint targeting Darfuri refugees have been reported. In addition, the overall level of humanitarian needs remains high. Among refugees in camps, access to income-generating opportunities is low, which drives the need for support for food security and livelihoods. Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and health services is limited because of outdated infrastructure in camps, which is often more than 15 years old. In these refugee-hosting regions of Eastern Chad, the rate of access to potable water is estimated to be only about 50%. In recent years, humanitarian needs have been negatively impacted by significant funding shortfalls and a declining level of food assistance provided to refugees from Darfur. The conditions that Darfuri refugees face in Chad should not be tolerated by the international community and must be addressed this World Refugee Day.

Moreover, the Darfur genocide has caused countless Darfuris to seek refuge in Egypt, but the vast majority of Darfur refugees in Egypt are not officially registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It is estimated that there are hundreds of thousands of Darfuri refugees in Egypt, but only around 24,000 are officially registered by the UNHCR in Cairo. Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and to the Organization of African Unity’sUnity’s 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. However, Egypt has no domestic procedures and institutions for the protection of vulnerable asylum seekers. The Egypt office of UNHCR carries out all aspects of registration, documentation, and refugee status determination. UNHCR has tried to ensure that the Egyptian government takes on the responsibility for refugee status determination to meet its legal commitments under the conventions, but the Egyptian government not only refused but it sent UNHCR a letter stating some significant reservations to the conventions, which limited refugees access to education, healthcare, and employment. As a result, UNHCR is responsible for processing the refugee applications and assisting in resettlement, but due to budget cuts, the UNHCR office in Cairo has been unable to meet the needs of all the refugees in Egypt. This has led many to live under miserable conditions for long years, lacking basic health, education, and social services. They have also been subjected to racism, discrimination, and poor treatment by Egyptian and Sudanese authorities not only because of the Egyptian government’s affiliation with the Sudanese military and Bashir regime, but with the negative stigma surrounding refugees, and indigenous Africans, in particular. Even in attempts to flee to a third country such as Israel, they have been subjected to torture and killing by traffickers or Egyptian border guards. Furthermore, Sources in Cairo have confirmed that women and children living in Egypt have recently become more at risk of sexual violence and killing and are systematically targeted for crimes and retaliation by the host community with no international or local protection mechanism. 

The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, both legally binding documents, emphasize that state parties are expected to cooperate in ensuring that the rights of refugees are respected and protected. Therefore, we urge you to address this dire situation with the swift concern and attention it deserves and be the voice for Darfuri refugees so that the Albanian government and the United Nations Security Council may undertake urgent action to provide adequate protection and services to those in need. 

DWAG calls upon the United Nations Security Council to take the following actions: 

  • Increase food and WASH assistance to provide adequate living conditions to Darfuri refugees in Chad and Egypt; 
  • Pressure members states that are hosting Darfuri refugees to increase security for refugees in the areas surrounding camps;
  • Convene an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the situation in Sudan, in particular Darfur, to rally multilateral action to prevent attacks against civilians to prevent further displacement. 
  • Authorize a United Nations force to protect civilians in Darfur;
  • Hold the Sudanese leaders accountable for the escalating violence;  
  • Appeal to the western nations accepting refugees to increase their refugees’ quota and give priority to Darfuri refugees to be protected;
  • Demand the immediate surrender of al-Bashir, Haroun, and Hussein to The Hague to hold them accountable for their crimes against the people of Darfur.

We appreciate your urgent and kind consideration. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for more information or with any questions.

Sincerely,

Niemat Ahmadi

Founder and President

Darfur Women Action Group

1629 K St. NW 

Suite #300

Washington, D.C. 20006

United States

Promising Update: Abd-Al-Rahman, “Ali Kushayb,” Trial at International Criminal Court

As the first week of the International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of Abd-Al-Rahman, better known as “Ali Kushayb,” comes to a close, we want to commend the powerful statements by the prosecution and the bravery of the victims, who will come forward, albeit anonymously, to tell their stories. The judges have authorized 142 victims to participate in the trial. With the brave cooperation of the victims and the tireless work of the prosecution to present strong evidence, we are confident Ali Kushayb will be convicted of all 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Victims will finally realize the beginning of long-awaited justice.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan began his opening statements by commenting on the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The breaking of the fast every evening is called iftar. He analogized and noted that in Sudan, “there has been another fast that they have been partaking, not because it is their choice, but it is the waiting for justice, and from that perspective, this is a momentous day. It is an iftar of sorts for the millions of Sudanese throughout the world for this day to come.” 

Ali Kushayb was a former leader of the cruel Janjaweed militia. He is responsible for leading the horrific operations of systematic murder, torture, and rape of innocent men, women, and children. Ali Kushayb, as described by witnesses, tortured them through beating, and has killed people with an axe. Additionally, he ordered the execution of at least 5 children between the ages of 10 to 12. Ali Kushayb also commonly arrested people with the guise that they were “rebels” and would order the Janjaweed to murder them. In one instance, the Janjaweed murdered 137 people over the course of just 3 days. This is only the beginning of victim testimony. While these details are excruciatingly painful to hear, it is imperative to tell the stories of the victims, so that each of them have their day in court. It is also imperative to share these stories to achieve justice and raise public awareness of the Darfur genocide.

Ali Kushayb, who has pleaded not guilty to all 31 counts, in his opening remarks claimed that,  “I came of my own free will. No one brought me here. I came here to correct the misleading falsehoods attributed to me, and I congratulate the International Criminal Court for being a fair court of law.” We must disagree that the charges against him are “misleading falsehoods.” It is no surprise that he denies the charges, but we have no doubt that the ICC has a qualified prosecution team, team of lawyers, and judges presiding over the case, that will no doubt deliver the justice that Darfuri victims deserve. The process of justice may take time, but the truth will eventually come out in the coming months. We are looking forward to witnessing innocent Darfuris and Sudanese people, affected by his inhumane crimes, rejoice in seeing him behind bars. 

In the meantime, we ask the public to stand in solidarity with Darfur and continue to support not only the Ali Kushayb trial, but to demand accountability for other indictees. We ask the public, our supporters and partners, to bring attention on social media and through other means to the situation in Darfur and Sudan at large. We equally urge the media to keep the coverage and focus on this important case that has been largely neglected for years. Additionally, we demand the international community, the UN and its bodies, including the UN Security Council, and the member states of the ICC to continue its efforts to hold other perpetrators of the Darfur genocide accountable. Former President Omar Al-Bashir still remains at large and orchestrated the genocide under his regime. Justice is not just convicting Ali Kushayb, but convicting all perpetrators responsible for the mass atrocities committed in Darfur for the past 20 years. Together, through our efforts, we can stop and prevent further genocide in Darfur.

We urge the United States to support accountability for crimes in Sudan because there will not be peace, security or stability in Sudan unless there is accountability. We urge you all to stand with us collectively to empower the victims and the affected communities to seek justice and restore their livelihood.

Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month

A Future Without Genocide

This April, as we mark Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) is launching a month-long campaign to bring the needed attention to the long-standing Genocide in Darfur. This month was chosen because April contains many significant dates in the history of Genocide. These include the beginnings of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Armenian Genocide, and the Anfal campaign against Iraqi Kurds. Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month aims to share knowledge about what Genocide is, past genocides, and the continuing fight against Genocide today. As we come together this month, we must commemorate the past by recognizing those who lost their lives and demanding accountability for past and present crimes.  

Sadly, the Genocide that started 20 years ago in Darfur has not been resolved, and millions of victims continue to suffer while living in deplorable conditions and remain under constant attack. Beginning in 2002/2003, the government of Sudan initiated a genocidal campaign in Darfur, and by 2006 over 300,000 civilians, disproportionately women and children were slaughtered. During the Genocide, over 3 million people were forced to flee their homes, and 2.7 million are still living in camps. Widespread displacement continues to affect the Darfuri people. Beyond the targeted slaughter, countless women and girls are subjected to rape and other forms of gender-based violence by government soldiers as a tool of Genocide. 

The crimes committed against the people of Darfur are crimes of a global magnitude. Although some world leaders have made strong statements about the need to hold those perpetrators accountable, they have failed to take concerted action to bring the individuals responsible for these crimes to face justice. Moreover, the recent developments in Sudan are a clear indicator of the consequences when the international community fails to hold despotic leaders accountable. Their inaction has emboldened the military to continue the tactics of the Bashir regime of violating international human rights and humanitarian laws, usurping power through a coup, and killing innocent civilians. 

To commemorate the past, we must fight for accountability for present crimes and prevent future occurrences of Genocide. Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG) will be commemorating the 2022 Genocide Prevention Month by raising awareness of the Darfur genocide with a special focus on accountability through the theme of “A Future Without Genocide.” Darfur genocide continues today because our leaders fail to impose consequences for those responsible. Additionally, this special focus will also highlight the trial of Abd-Al-Rahman, better known as “Ali Kushayb,” the former Janjaweed militia leader. His trial with the International Criminal Court (ICC) will begin on April 5, 2022. The ICC has charged Kushayb with 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite this progress, four more indicted criminals have yet to be brought to justice, while many Janjaweed leaders and militiamen who committed mass atrocities have yet to be charged or prosecuted. For example, the ICC has charged the former President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir, with war crimes and crimes against humanity, but he remains at large. Al-Bashir orchestrated and is complicit in the Darfur genocide that happened under his regime. Therefore, we must rally our movement and double our effort to fight for justice. We call on the Biden administration and the member states of the UNSC to publicly speak about the Darfur genocide and demand accountability.

The United States has condemned and suspended aid to Sudan, yet more needs to be done to ensure the restoration of a civilian-led government; pressure must be exercised on Sudanese military officials. The United States must prioritize accountability, promotion of human rights, and life with dignity for the people of Sudan. The United States must stand with the people of Sudan in this time of significant loss and work to bring a civilian-led government that will bring about democracy and sustainable peace. Use the letter on our website to draft an email to your legislator or as a script for a phone call. We must urge the United States government to do more to support the people of Sudan.

We must act now to ensure that Darfur can strive toward a peaceful future. Therefore, the DWAG team would like to invite our supporters and those who believe in a future without genocide to join us in cultivating a collective effort that will ensure that genocide is a story of the past and not the future. This month, we will be holding events that will bring awareness to the Darfur Genocide and highlight the importance of accountability for these atrocitie. We will accompany these events by posting updates on our social media and website. Our goal is not only to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur but to demand justice from our leaders in power. In the coming days, we will provide you with more details about our campaign and how you can participate in the multiple action opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the victims in Darfur.

Join us this Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month by participating in our events and efforts to demand justice and accountability. Post in connection with DWAG’s efforts this April by utilizing the hashtag #FutureWithoutGenocide so that we may signal our collective support and solidarity with the people of Darfur and victims of the genocide.

Sincerely,

Darfur Women Action Group