For 48 hours, starting at midnight Eastern standard time on March 6, 2008, many student voices will be collected in the name of those suffering in Darfur. Be sure that your voice is among them.
Men, women, and children in the Darfur region of Sudan are dying. The Sudan militia and Janjaweed are responsible for as many as 500,000 deaths and 2,500,000 displaced refugees. You can learn more about the genocide taking place in Darfur by visiting the Many Voices for Darfur Wiki. Once you have had a chance to learn more about Darfur, please post your comment to one or more of the following prompts below:
- If you could visit the camps in Chad and sit down one-on-one with a refugee who is your age, how would you explain what you or others are doing in your country to spread awareness and make a difference?
- Write an open letter to Omar al-Bashir pleading your case for the Darfur region of Sudan.
- Write an open letter to leaders in your country to make a case for government support of international efforts in Darfur.
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If I were to sit down with a refugee from in Chad, I really wouldn't know what to say. Honestly, I don't think that much is being done to stop this horrible problem. The prompt asked how I would explain to the child what was being done to help them. The answer: not enough. Truthfully, if enough was being done, than a project like this wouldn't be needed. It would be difficult to face the refugee, who is my age, and know that I have no answers to the horror that he or she has to face on a daily basis. Something needs to be done to stop these murders. We all need to come together, to help the people of Darfur.
Sara, 12th Grade, Nevada
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
I think that what you are doing to the citizens in Darfur is wrong. It cruel and you don't deserve to be the president of Sudan. Killing the people in Darfur is like people from America or the U.K. killing the citizens in Sudan except for Darfur. What you should really be doing is figuring out what you can do to make it so Darfur doesn't become it's own country. You can talk to the citizens of Darfur and figure out what the want and compramise with them.
Sincerely
Bradey
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
I feel that the people of Darfur are not being helped in any form. There are refugees in Chad, sleeping under tents, and trees. Those people don't deserve to be treated in such a way. The janjaweed militia shouldn't be allowed to kill, rape, or steal. The refugees simply don't deserve it. You as the President of Sudan should be able to stop the outrageous environment that the people of Darfur are living in. So as the voice of those from Darfur, please stop the madness.
Dear George W. Bush,
I think that the people of our country could make a difference in Darfur, or at least try to.
People of Darfur can't even afford to have a decent roof over their heads and many people are starving. There are not many jobs in Darfur so it isn't easy to earn money for the family because there really isn't a place to earn that money to put food on the table or provide needs. I think that the United States should contribute to the country Darfur by having a few people from the U.S to go over there and try to stop all the outrage of emotion. As the United States we could help Darfur so that many people would have better jobs. We could possibly make a deal with the people of Darfur and make is so that they would just have to pay the money back that we lend them. The United States could make a contract that Darfur could sign and agree to. If we were to lend the people of Darfur money the contract would make is so that they would have to use the money that the United States lent them on things like starting a few good profitable businesses and providing homes for some of the individuals in Darfur.
Thanks,
Alisha
If i were to sit down and talk to a refugee and tell what were doin in our country to help spread the word that theres bad things goin on in chad and darfur withe the janjaweed militia raping and stealing and killing people and thaty were trying to let people know this is bad and something should be done to help out the people of chad
Mr. President,
If I were to sit down and talk to someone from Darfur. I would not know what to say at all, I wouldn't even know how to start off the conversation at all. I think that it would be difficult to talk to someone who is a refugee and sit down and talk to them about what happend. I think that most people would not be able to do that. I think that the Sudan goverment should help out the Darfur refugees. We should all come together and help out the Darfur goverment and eliminate the Janjaweed, who are bringing horror to over 3 million people. Don't you think that it would be hard for you to sit down and talk to someone who is a refugee from somewhere, and talk about all the horrors they have gone through?
Dakota from Maine...
Mr. President,
If I were to sit down and talk to someone from Darfur. I would not know what to say at all, I wouldn't even know how to start off the conversation at all. I think that it would be difficult to talk to someone who is a refugee and sit down and talk to them about what happend. I think that most people would not be able to do that. I think that the Sudan goverment should help out the Darfur refugees. We should all come together and help out the Darfur goverment and eliminate the Janjaweed, who are bringing horror to over 3 million people. Don't you think that it would be hard for you to sit down and talk to someone who is a refugee from somewhere, and talk about all the horrors they have gone through?
Dakota from Maine...
dylan from maine
If i were to sit down and talk to a refugee and tell what were doin in our country to help spread the word that theres bad things goin on in chad and darfur withe the janjaweed militia raping and stealing and killing people and thaty were trying to let people know this is bad and something should be done to help out the people of chad
If I talked to a refugee from Chad I would tell them that not a lot is being done. Many people don't care about what is going on over in Chad. Some people aren't even aware of what is going on over there.
If I was to talk to someone over in Chad I wouldn't know what to tell him. Would it be that some people don't care. Would it be that people don't know.
Dear Al-Bashir,
You need to do something about your country. People are dying. People are leaving your country because there is to much violence. I don't know if you know about it or not, but people are running away and having to live in camps because they have nowhere to live. The Janjaweed militia need to be stopped, they are killing to many people. So are other people.You can do something about it, you are the leader of Sudan. The refugees need help,they are running for their lives. They need help.
Mr. President Omar Bishir,
The people in the darfur region of sudan are being either driven from their homes in fear for their lives or if they stay being slaughtered like unrully animals.This is happening in your part of the world!Can't you do a little more to stop this violence being encouraged by the janjaweed and their airborne attacks on the villages?
Yes,i know everyone has to die eventually but death from violence is definitely one of the worse ways to go out of this world.
Do we really have to go to such extreme measures as to put the janjaweed in the arctic ocean untill they chill out enough that they are human ice cubes?
~Jessy,9th grade,Maine*
If I were to sit down and talk to a refugee from Darfur, as Sara from Nevada said, I do not know what I would tell them. I do not think that the United States is doing enough to help them, let alone go over to their country to provide medical care. Even though the leader of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir is not letting the United Nations into Darfur to provide medical care and support, I think that the United States and the UN should be trying harder, even if it has to come down to breaking into the countries borders. In Darfur, an estimated 2.5 million have been displaced from the conflict in Darfur. We have been working for peace in Darfur since 2003, and quite a lot, but not enough has been done. T-shirts have been made and donations have been sent to Darfur, but I think that we need to put ourselves in the places of the refugees. We need to take a walk in their shoes, and understand the things that they are going through. The only way we will be able to help and save Darfur is if we understand.
If I could visit a camp in Chad, I would be terrified. Why? Because the Janjaweed.
Also, being driven from your home would be really scary. How do you think the darfurians feel about this?
If I was going to sit down and talk with a refugee from Chad, I would be in shock and unable to think properly. In my mind all that would be sparkin is all the horrible things that this person has gone through, and for such silly reasons. When I would finally get my tounge back in my mouth and my brain back in my head, I would explain what we are doing to try and help them. I would say something to the effect of how hundreads of children are writing letters to try and show the Sudanese people that this is over nothing it all their doing is murding people for no reason. However honestly, I don't think a refugee would want to hear of how their being helped, but instead they would reather see it.
Dear Al-Bashir,
In case you did not notice, your country is divided and destroying itself. Your people who live in Darfur are fleeing the country because of the rogue Janjaweed mallitia, who is believed to be armed with YOUR weapons! Chad is becoming filled with the people you are supposed to help. If it you continue to ignore, or assist the threat to innocent people in Darfur many countries will come to it's aid, and take you out of power. Many people already are angered by the way you ignore the problem without helping your country at all. Please help the country you are supposed to lead and protect.
Ben from Maine
Dear George W. Bush,
As you may know, there are major conflicts going on in Darfur. Thousands of Darfurians are fleeing from their homes in Western Sudan and crossing the border from Sudan into Chad as refugees. The people of Darfur are deprived of clean water, food, shelter, and safety. These are basic needs that every one must have. There is a horrible injustice being done to the people of Darfur and it must stop. The Sudanese government is responsible for the heinous crimes and genocide that is happening to the people of Darfur. The help from the United States and/or the U.S. army may change the future of Darfur for the better. The genocide can stop, and it is up to us to help. Spreading awareness is the first step. Taking action is the second. The genocide can come to an end with the help of the United States. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Leah
Grade 9
Maine
Dear Mr. President,
I am sure that you are aware of the condition of all the people in Darfur. Yet you are doing nothing. The people are being attacked and taking refuge in the closest country, Chad. As the president of Sudan I feel that it is your responsibility to do whatever you can to protect the people of your country. Like I said you are doing nothing, I seriously can't see that there is anything you are doing to help these people. In fact it seems as though you are helping the Janjaweed militia. You won't even allow other countries to really help them. Also; would you care to maybe explain how or where the Janjaweed militia is getting it's plains for the bombs. Consider this, it might help your ridiculous thinking. The people in your country who are DIEING are the same people that elected to president. Not that they voted for you anyway, but there really wouldn't have if they new you would be that irresponsible and ignore their safety problems. The people of Sudan should be very ashamed to have a president like you.
Amanda, from Maine, USA
Julia R in NC in 6th grade
I agree with Sara from Nevada I think that if genocide in Darfur was really a big deal they would find a way to stop it.
I still think it’s a huge deal, don’t get me wrong but I think that UN needs to pretend to be an immigrant, hopping over the Mexican border and sneaking into Darfur.
Sara from Nevada also wrote: “If I were to sit down with a refugee from in Chad, I really wouldn't know what to say.”
I totally disagree with you Sara because asking a child from Chad would be huge. You could ask him how he feels and how he lives now because of genocide. I think I would ask him so many questions it would take all day!
I noticed in this picture that there is a boy a mom and a baby and their homes are being destoyed by the fire that is spreading through Darfur.
I also notice that the STOP sign says STOP genocide and that it is brought to you be the caring world of community.
They should try to stop the genocide going on in Darfur right now so that thay won't have so many people dieing there.
So do you think that they should try and stop the genocide or should thay let it keep going on in DAFUR??!!
Matthew,6th Grade, N. Carolina
Sara from Nevada said:
I don’t think people are doing much to help.
I agree with you Sara. If this is such a big deal, than whey aren’t very many people are doing something about it?
I think that genocide is a ridiculous thing. You must have to be extremely racist to want to do such a thing.
Think about if someone, or lots of people, came into the US and started killing off Americans by the thousands. How would that make you feel?
- Gregor I
Sara wrote:
It’s horrible that many people are dying right know in Darfur.
And she’s right, yet do you think just because there’s a genocide we should go and help? I do agree that that benefits them but what would it do to us? Do you think its right for people to just go and kill people because they feel like it?
Can you compare this event to another one that you’ve talked about?
signed,
fruitloops23
Boycott the Olympics
As you know, China is holding the Olympics this year. You might even know that China is Darfur’s highest oil/Gas buyer. So in other words, the Sudanese government and Chinas government are very close. They have many ties and connections. China has not done anything to persuade the Sudanese government to stop the Genocide. They have basically sat back and watched it happen.
Because China is neglecting to save the people of Sudan the people here in America and even in some other parts of the world they are renaming the Olympics as the Genocide Olympics. Steven Spielberg (who was the creative director) has dropped out because of the poor job done by the government in China. Many people are urging those of us who care about the Genocide, and even those who don’t, to boycott the Olympics.
In order for China to truly get the message that this needs to stop, we need to hand deliver it. The Olympics are the biggest thing to happen to China, so they will most likely do anything to protect it. If we can get enough people to boycott, we can make a huge difference. China is already making headlines for recently, Urging the Sudanese Government to Take Action. So as you can so we are already starting to make a difference. Just keep it up.
I would tell them that we are trying to raise awareness about the genocide that is going on in Darfur. Maybe we can tell them to try and be safe and not go outside of their homes so the do not get hurt by the people that are trying to kill them. There are people in the government that are trying to stop the genocide to just like we are here in the United States.
I noticed in this picture that there is a boy a mom and a baby and their homes are being destroyed by the fire that is spreading through Darfur.
I also notice that the STOP sign says STOP genocide and that it is brought to you be the caring world of community.
They should try to stop the genocide going on in Darfur right now so that they won't have so many people dieing there.
So do you think that they should try and stop the genocide or should they let it keep going on in DAFUR??!!
Sarah form Nevada, you said: "I don't think that much is being done to stop this horrible problem."
I agree Sarah, because so many people are dying and no-one is doing anything about it. Do you think that some people are just ignoring the genocide just because it isn’t their problem since it’s not in their country?
-The Joker
Hi my name is Patricia, I'm an 8th grader in Maryland. Check out my awesome blog.
OLYMPICS What do they mean? This year they are going to be held in Beijing, China. That also means that China will be able to have the biggest impact on the conflict in Sudan. They are Sudan’s biggest ally since that is where China gets most of their oil so they choose not to jeopardize their relationship then get in the way and help. Because of this many people will lose their lives. To help Sudan we can’t support the Olympics.
Every one in the world likes and watches the Olympics but they don’t know what is behind it. This year the tragedy in Darfur is behind it but is finally sure to be heard. We are trying to get the people that are working in the Olympics to boycott in our effort to help the darfurians. Steven Spielberg was one of the art people helping but quit when he found out that they weren’t doing anything. If China did anything they would have one of the biggest impacts then anyone else in the UN. The UN is trying to help but China will stand up for them and keep the UN from doing anything. Now since they are feeling pressured to help they are starting to crack an\d just maybe we will be able to help the citizens in Darfur.
Again in our effort to help Sudan we can’t support the Olympics. If we do as much as we have before then the people of the government will not see how much we care about them. So as a final say in this, do as much as you possibly can to help us save Darfur.
Sara from Nevada wrote: Truthfully, if enough was being done, than a project like this wouldn't be needed.
I agree with Sara because if people were trying really hard to stop this genocide the world would know how bad it is in Darfur.
I think the reason that other countries haven’t stepped in to take action in the genocide is that other countries are busy now. Take the US for instance. I’m sure people want to help but they are so worried about the war in Iraq. Many other countries are dealing with other problems like immigration, elections, and so much more. I would never think that no one tries to help but they probably get busy.
Kate M. North Carolina
Gregor I. you said: “Think about if someone, or lots of people, came into the US and started killing off Americans by the thousands. How would that make you feel?
I think that if America’s citizens were being killed then people would come to help since we are a superpower.
If Sudan was a superpower then do you think that people would come to help them?
-The Joker
Sarah from Nevada wrote: Honestly, I don't think that much is being done to stop this horrible problem.
My question is can we do too much. This Genocide has been going on for five years and we have been in Iraq helping them and now we are on to our next problem.
It is like the world’s problem’s are up to us. What you said is also true though. If we didn't worry about things throughout history where would be today?
But I don't know.
Should we take a chance and stand up for other people in other countries? There is almost a door that shuts everyone out of other country’s problems.
Why do we hesitate when really it is not like we are on different planets?
It seems like we have been doing that for everyone these days!
Can anyone help?
~Leah B.
I would tell them that we are trying to raise awareness about the genocide that is going on in Darfur. Maybe we can tell them to try and be safe and not go outside of their homes so the do not get hurt by the people that are trying to kill them. There are people in the government that are trying to stop the genocide to just like we are here in the United States.
I noticed in this picture that there is a boy a mom and a baby and their homes are being destroyed by the fire that is spreading through Darfur.
I also notice that the STOP sign says STOP genocide and that it is brought to you be the caring world of community.
They should try to stop the genocide going on in Darfur right now so that they won't have so many people dieing there.
So do you think that they should try and stop the genocide or should they let it keep going on in DAFUR??!!
Kate-
If we are so busy, why are we seen as lazy if we have our own problems? More importantly, what is more important, Iraq or Darfur?
Lucy p 6 grade,NC
I would tell them that we are trying to raise awareness about the genocide that is going on in Darfur. Maybe we can tell them to try and be safe and not go outside of their homes so the do not get hurt by the people that are trying to kill them. There are people in the government that are trying to stop the genocide to just like we are here in the United States.
I was looking through some political cartoons and I found one that showed houses in Darfur that were getting burnt down by the Jangaweed and now the people have to move out of their houses and find another place to live.
I noticed in this picture that there is a boy a mom and a baby and their homes are being destroyed by the fire that is spreading through Darfur.
I also notice that the STOP sign says STOP genocide and that it is brought to you be the caring world of community.
They should try to stop the genocide going on in Darfur right now so that they won't have so many people dieing there.
So do you think that they should try and stop the genocide or should they let it keep going on in DAFUR??!!
It is 5 o’clock in the morning in Darfur. It’s still mostly dark outside. Ismail Jarbo and his family awake to the sound of aircraft flying overhead and bombing. Janjaweed, the Sudanese Air Force, jeeps and aircrafts are attacking them. The bombs come. They reach Ismail Jarbo’s house. His house is destroyed. Underneath all of the bricks and crumbling straw and mud are bodies. Ismail Jarbo starts helping other survivors free the dead bodies from the rubble, but there are so many dead. It takes them about two days to get all of the bodies out, and grieve and bury them. Soon, Ismail learns that his father is dead. Ismail is not the only one who has lost friends, family, and everything he ever knew and loved in Darfur. These people are suffering, and we need to help.
The conflict in Darfur started in 2003, and since then, the United Nations still hasn’t intervened. Hundreds of civilians are forced to flee their homes every day because of the Janjaweed attacks and Air Force bombings. Even those who make it to refugee camps don’t have enough food and water. They faced with limited medical care, if any. As if food and water shortages aren’t bad enough, the refugees are crammed into small, shabby huts with no necessities. Since 2003, bombing and Janjaweed attacks have killed over 200,000 civilians. Sadly, since the Sudanese government is supporting the attacks on the people of Darfur, there is not enough help being sent. The Janjaweed is made up of nomads of Arab descent who live to the north of Darfur. They came south into Darfur farming land for water and food, and the people fought back and tried to keep them out of their farmland. The Sudanese government isn’t willing to openly admit that there is a genocide going on in the country, so stronger countries and organizations, like the US and the UN need to help out.
There are many things that can be done to help out in Darfur, some on a national level, and some things that anyone with a few dollars to spare can do. On a large scale, the US and the UN can send troops into Darfur to protect the civilians from Janjaweed attacks. If our government isn’t willing to do that, then we should at least send supplies and necessities to Darfur refugee camps. One thing that the county can do is a divestment towards helping the cause. We are trying to help a group of high schoolers get a divestment passed in Montgomery County. If the county stops paying companies that could be blocking UN action in Darfur, then we would be one small step closer to ending the genocide. To help out in Darfur on an individual basis, donating money to organizations that provide medical supplies or doctors for struggling countries, or other such action groups is an option. Raising money through a fundraiser for Darfur is a good way to raise a larger amount of money. Also, organizations are selling bracelets for Darfur to help spread awareness about this topic, because the media seems to avoid it. The money from bracelet sales also goes overseas to help out. Because the Sudanese haven’t put a stop to the genocide yet, after five years, the nightmare will
continue until others make an effort to help.
To see the stories of some Darfur refugees click_here
Kate M. wrote:. Many other countries are dealing with other problems like immigration, elections, and so much more. I would never think that no one tries to help but they probably get busy.
We can worry about our troops and all sure, but you are sitting at your computer right now while a whole race is being brutally killed off one by one.
We can say that we are a town or a state or a country or a continent, and that we don't need to get involved in other countries and stuff but, in the end we are all one world.
In the end we are not just a town or a state or a country or a continent, we are a world that is slowly falling apart and some of us are too lazy to do something for someone that is not near you.
This world is not up to individual countries, it is up to all of us.
Anger and hatred is rolling in from across seas like a tsunami swallowing us whole. A tornado of cries for help blow past and all we can say is they are a different country, what about our world? We think that hurricanes and tsunamis are going to kill our states and countries and what not but can you see what is going to kill our world.
Hate and evil and these lazy people are the most dangerouse threat I have seen so far.
What do you think should be done to this world that may not be obvious but I think is soon about to erupt with hate and kill more people than any volcano can!
I don’t think we can be too busy to help with a genocide!
Is it our problem?
~ Leah B.
Darfur is the main supplier of oil to China therefore China completely trusts and “helps” Darfur. In this conflict China is supplying the Sudanese government with military items such as weapons, helicopters and other equipment. The question is; should China still be able to host the Olympics when they are supplying the main cause of this genocide (the Janjaweed) with weapons. If China is going to hold the Olympics I say we stand up for Darfur and boycott the Olympics. Don’t watch it, don’t have anything to do with it.
The well known movie director Steven Spielberg has backed out of being the artistic director for the Beijing Olympic Games because China is not taking action to stop the crisis in Darfur. China’s leading film director says that “the Olympics are simply sporting events and that political issues should not be involved in them.” When the Darfur conflict began in 2003 it only started out as the government hiring men to bring down rebel groups. They say that they were “draining the swamp to kill the fish” but then it got out of hand and then suddenly 200,000 to 400,000 people were dead. People say that this conflict is turning into a Holocaust. In the Holocaust museum inscribed on a wall is the phrase “never again”. “Never again”, do you think that means keep doing it or that it’s okay to do it? No! It means that never again will there be a Holocaust, but yet we are on the brink of one as we speak. And what may I ask is being done about this? The answer is; nothing. But we as citizens are able to do something. We can spread awareness.
In the Darfur region there used to be approximately six million people but now only about two million still live there. If China had not supported the Janjaweed/Sudan then there would not have been that much of a decrease in Darfur’s population. This genocide is worse than it seems. The genocide is spreading into neighboring Chad. China has the most influence over Sudan and yet it is not using its influence to stop the upcoming disaster. That is why we must boycott the Olympics, that is why we must take action, because China won’t.
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We read an article where the Janjaweed went rampaging through the city’s and burning down every hut and killing every person in there way. If I lived in one of the cities I would be really scared because I wouldn’t know if I was going to get killed.
The joker asked if the Genocide isn’t in our country then why we should care about it? I think that even if it’s not in country that we should still help because then all the Black Africans in Darfur will die.
Do you think that if we don’t do anything that all the Black Africans will die?
Yesterday I brought how people in Darfur are being killed and facts about genocide up to my sister in high school. She started laughing and called me a geek for spending a lot of time on this project. She said she heard it before, but she rather be hanging out with her friends then working on a project for people in Darfur that wouldn’t make a difference.
I wonder if we can find a way to make a difference if more people would join?
Annab.
Kate M. said:
“I think the reason that other countries haven’t stepped in to take action in the genocide is that other countries are busy now.”
I think that this is true, but just like the other problems in the world that are keeping people from helping, isn’t Darfur genocide a problem itself? Does this relate to countries not stepping in for each other because they are focused on their own problems?
Also, many of these comments were based on how little the number of people helping is. How would the citizens of Darfur react to this quantity? Would they be devastated? No one has ever taken the time to think of their reaction to what is being done.
I Darfur genocide its own problem compared to all the other situations?
How do you think the Darfur citizens would react?
-Jordan S.
Lucy p said: How do you think the darfurians feel about this?
Lucy, one question how would you feel if your home was being torn apart every single day and your friends and loved ones that you have known for so long could be dead just like that one shot.
Do you guys remember the genocide that happened to the Jews with Hitler? It was terrible and do you want 2.2 million people dead again? I’m sure that people are being killed and houses are being destroyed every second in Darfur its time to do something about this genocide!
Signed,
Blake Norris
6th Grade
North Carolina
This is ridiculous that 2 million people have already died in Darfur and more displaced, WOW!!! The Janjaweed, Darfur’s militia has been killing random black Africans. This is not cool, and if you think were geeks well I will have to tell you more.
And this has going on for 5 years!!!!!! Stop the madness!
And they were in poverty already they were starving, why can’t this stop. The Janjaweed are killing there one people FOR NO REASON!!!! WHY is there genocide in general? Think about that for a minute!
Abram K. and
Matt E., 6th grade
Sara from Nevada said: The prompt asked how I would explain to the child what was being done to help them. The answer: not enough.
I understand where you’re coming from, Sara. If everybody would pitch in to help the people of Darfur, then this wouldn’t be such a problem. Some people may ask, “Why should I care?” Why? Because right now, you’re either safely at school, home, work and anywhere else, and the genocide seems so… unreal. I think what may be happening here is that since not much awareness is being raised against this issue, people don’t think that it’s getting out of hand.
History is repeating itself. Not once, not twice, but several times. Genocide mainly occurs because it doesn’t hit people that something really may not be what it seems.
The Germans thought that the Jews were taking all their money, therefore causing inflation to one side of the country, so they were killed. But really, was it the Jews fault? Is it that people always want to blame a problem occurring in their life on some one else? Do people have a hard time finding fault in their own actions?
Kate said that no one cares what is happening in Darfur.
I disagree with you Kate, because so many people are talking about it. I think that people aren’t doing anything to help, but lots of people care. You would have to be evil to let this pass without caring about it. If only people really started helping.
If I could, I would help, but I am too young to do something affective.
Do you think kids should be able to make a difference?
Why do you think genocides happen in general? I think that it starts with one person being extremely racist, and trick more and more people into being racist. Then, they go so far that they want to kill off all that they hate. Last, they try fighting for tears, and usually aren’t successful. Most of the time, military forces from different countries come and help.
Do you think the US should send troops over to help?
- Gregor I
It is our global responsibility to prevent Genocide in Darfur, Sudan. This has been the longest genocide of the twenty-first century, and has been going on since 2003. But it is our responsibility to watch over our fellow countries, which is called Global Responsibility. Today Darfur is in ruins, towns are destroyed, markets are burned, many civilians are dead or close to death, but it could have been stopped and still can be.
The persecutors, called the janjaweed, are the cause of the thousand of deaths. We need to stop the janjaweed from going around the villages and killing the men, raping the women and most importantly taking the innocence of our youth. Janjaweed are responsible for over 200,000 killings in Darfur, and forcing 45,000 people to flee to Chad, the neighboring country. The people of Darfur need our help, and it is our responsibility to help them. We have already started doing our job by creating blogs and researching websites, all to help raise awareness about the situation in Darfur. The most effective thing we did at our school is sell green wristband, labeled "Save Darfur" and "Not on our watch." The money we raised was sent to help the people of Darfur. Also we write blogs on our websites about current updates on Darfur. The amount of readers that blogs get will increase each week and raise more awareness. The Awareness about the Genocide happening in Darfur will increase, and as a result people will start taking action. Raising awareness will help us to get to our main goal.
Our main goal is to pressure the rebel groups to cease all attacks on the people of Darfur, and hopefully come to an effective solution for them. Most importantly, we should ensure that the United Nations and African Union mission have the tools that they need to stop the Genocide in Darfur. It’s important to remember that preventing Genocide is our global responsibility; we have to keep the world at peace and make that our most significant commitment. We cannot allow this to happen, so we must do all that we can to help stop the Genocide in Darfur.
Dear Joy,
I don't really understand what you mean about boycotting the Olympics. Can you explain it more?
Salma 6th grade, Virginia
Global Responsibility & Darfur
The usual scene in Darfur is +people running and hiding where they could hoping it would be burned down. Children are frightened trying to find their family in all this chaos. Women of any age being raped and left to die. All you can see is red. Red from the blood of the innocent shed. Red from the fires that are burning the homes and possessions the people of Darfur once known. When the janjaweed have done their tasks the government bombers and Sudanese government comes to make sure nobody is a survivor by bombing and shooting. The few that survived that horrid destruction are left with no food or shelter or family. They are basically left to die of a painfully emotional death.
In the western region of Sudan is a stretch of land called Darfur. The people in Darfur are usually farmers trying to make living from planting crops. Darfur used to have rebels that were rebelling against the Sudanese Government claming that the government was corrupt and that it was abandoning the people of Darfur. The Sudanese Government in response to this was to send the Janjaweed. Janjaweed in Arabic means man or devil on horseback. Janjaweed did their tasks and the rebels were no more, but they decided they could do much more and they decided to burn down the villages and terrorize the innocent unarmed people of Darfur. You would think that the Sudanese Government would be there to aid the Darfurians, but they didn’t. They made it worst. They sent their army to Darfur and government bombers to bomb the villages that were fully occupied with people. The force they brought into Darfur was no t to eliminate the Janjaweed but to eliminate the people in Darfur. This is when we say that this is genocide. When genocide happens it is our global responsibility to prevent and stop it. Then why is 5 years later the Darfur crisis is still going on?
Global Responsibility is basically the responsibility the people of the world have. Our responsibility to try to do all we can to stop genocides from happening, like Darfur. Everyday, ordinary people can make a big difference. So use any chances you get contribute to a program that help the people in Darfur. Remember it is our responsibility to stop this tragedy.
I think the genocide is very important than I thought it was the first time I knew. It is horrible because they are killing all of the Darfurians and destroying there homes. Also many people in Sudan are poor.
Most people in the United States do not care about this genocide. Think about when Hitler tried to kill all the Jews in World War 2. Everyone cared about the Jews during that time.
How would you feel if you lived there and no one was helping you?
Also do you think Sudan being poor having anything to do with the genocide?
Signed,
Austin S.
Dear President Bush,
As you may very well be aware, Darfur is facing country wide genocide due to the lack of efforts from Omar Al-Bashir. The government of Sudan and the Janjaweed are responsible for letting the deaths of so many people go right over their heads. Many innocent people are living in fear of dying every day of their lives. Girls are being raped and boys are being recruited to the Rebels. Those Rebels are trained to ruthlessly kill anyone they see without any feeling whatsoever. If the government there will not do something, we as a nation should take some time out of our lives to give a hand and help the poor people that suffer in Sudan and Darfur. Relief efforts are being made and donations are being given, but it just is not enough. When the holocaust struck Germany, the world gathered together and said, “We won’t let this happen ever again.” We thought that genocide would never be a problem after that. The killing in Darfur will result just like the holocaust if no one acts on it. How can we let this continue? The United States government needs to support the internal efforts in Darfur. Even a small donation can help out in this cause. The world needs to come together and stop the killing of innocent people once and for all. If you could take some time out of your busy schedule to discuss this issue, it would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Katie
Dear Mr. President,
The Darfur tragedy is still growing with each passing day. They are still having a genocide. We need to join together with other countries and join the efforts to help prevent the genocide from happening. There is no doubt that this is a genocide; many politicians have already declared this a genocide, such as: Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Colin Powell.
Many other countries have been sending minimal troops in to help repel the Janjaweed, but these have not been enough. I think we should try to send more of our in to help aid the crisis in Darfur. You yourself have declared that the number of international troops in Darfur should be increased, why not help increase their numbers ourselves? We could also send them financial aid; while there may be organizations in the U.S. already trying to donate to the Darfur cause, they could always use a helping hand from our government. Just declaring a state of emergency in Darfur will not cut it anymore; we need to take action now. People right now are suffering and we need to do all we can to help them, now.
Sincerely,
Kenny
Have you ever thought about how many genocides have been committed? How many of these genocides have been successful? If none of these have been successful why do people still attempt genocide?
If you were a victim how would you feel about the fact that genocide never worked but people in country are still doing it?
I have been studying many different genocides and I have noticed they all have one thing in common they all are based around one race’s pride.
The genocide in WWII was about German pride. The genocide in Eastern Europe was about Serbian pride?
Do you think people use pride as a way to gain power and do you agree with that?
Kate M
I don't agree with Alisha becuse if we send american troops to Darfur we are just getting our noses into another countrys problems.
A.J.,6th Grade,Virgina
Catherine S. from NC in 6th grade
Sara in Nevada said: Honestly, I don't think that much is being done to stop this horrible problem.
I disagree with Sara, I think that we are helping the people that live in Darfur; I mean look what we are doing now. We are trying to help them by raising awareness.
If no one cared about this problem we would not be writing about this genocide in our blogs and talking about this in all of are classrooms.
Sara also said:
Something needs to be done to stop these murders.
Why should we help these people? They are getting killed and getting forced out of there homes. But we don’t live in Darfur and this is not effecting the people that live in the US.
So why should we care?
In Darfur, men, women, and even children are dying. They are suffering in greater ways then we can imagine. A genocide is killing off citizens of the Darfur area of Sudan; and the part that aggravates me the most is that they are calling this an innocent name known as a “spiritual cleansing”. The girls in Darfur risk being kidnapped, raped, and/or abused while boys face being captured, abused or even murdered if caught by Janaweed and the militia. These types of cruelties are happening every day. While we fill up our swimming pools for the summer season, people in Darfur have to hunt for water and may not even come back. In the world of luxuries we live in here in the US, it is hard and gut wrenching to imagine innocent people in Darfur dying for no good reason; but the pictures don’t lie. I know that we would never allow events like those happen here in the US, so why let it happen anywhere else? People are people. We are all souls, human beings, and beating hearts. If this genocide goes overlooked, what kind of heart does it show we have? Nothing justifies an innocent person having to die? You have read the articles, heard it from the media, seen in documentaries, on television, and even in some music videos. This news is not to depress you; it is to help you see the reality of what is happening. We can help these people. We can stop this from happening. This is no trend. It is not a situation where everyone is doing it for 3 weeks and then never pays attention to it again. This is about being the voices for those who can’t be heard; the voices of Darfur. Be a voice, let your actions speak louder than words, and help stop the genocide in Darfur.
Jaci from Pennsylvania
Catherine S. from NC in 6th
Daleano said: If I were to sit down and talk to a refugee and tell what were doing in our country to help spread the word that there’s bad things going on in Chad and Darfur and the Janjaweed
I disagree with Daleano because we really are not helping the people in Darfur. We are writing about this in our blogs and talking about this in our classrooms.
But is this really going to reach the government in Darfur, is this really going to save the people there. We are so far away, and the government will not let our army in to Darfur.
So is this going to make a difference?
I think Joy has such a great point. I never really thought about that. Of course their not the one to blame, but China has the power to help and their not.
I don't think every thing is being done that can be done. Maybe if the people with power to do things to help knew what was going on,they would take action. To help Darfur we need powerful people.
-Margo,6th grade,Virginia
Darfur isn’t peaceful and it hasn’t been since 2003, people are dying everyday so far over 200,000 people are dead and millions forced from their homes. The U.N. has tried to do something about it but China and Russia; Sudan’s allies are standing in its way. We have the global responsibility to save Darfur, whether we’re Sudan’s allies or not, because nobody deserves to be treated that way.
China has not been letting the U.N. do anything about Darfur, but I think that it should be an immediate reaction to help a country in chaos. I believe this because it would stop a lot of wars before they even start, if someone had the idea to revolt against Hitler before World War 2 then it would save a lot of people.
China shouldn’t be defending Sudan because their scared to lose their oil supply, there are people in Darfur that are scared to lose their food supply and these are the people that deserve to be helped.
International Darfur Awareness Day
When I found out that 15,000 people die a month and 200,000 people have fled to refugee camps in neighboring Chad, I was so surprised when I heard about it. If I could visit one pf the camps in Chad and sit down one-on-one with a refugee who is my age I would tell her/him everything that’s happening in Darfur and how a lot of people don’t know about what’s happening to them. I would also tell them that a lot of people are trying to help. My English class in Maryland is selling wrist bands to help the people in Darfur. We need to plea to President Bush to help in this major crisis.
We need to plea to President Bush to help because he’s the only one who has a lot of power and who can help us. This is what’s happening in Darfur: The second civil ended in Jan. 2003 but then the Darfur conflict started in Feb. 2003. The 2007 UN estimate is 400,000 dead and 2.5 million displaced from their homes. They come with helicopters and bomb their homes, then come on horses or trucks and burn everything down or kill the people. The janjaweed are called devils on horsebacks. Majority of the area’s are Muslim. Feb. 2008 is the 5 year anniversary. This is the first “ongoing” genocide. First time the UN security has resolved to have something done and it hasn’t been done. They deny what they do with the helicopter when they destroy homes. A lot of people don’t care about Darfur because they don’t know what it is. They fear another Iraq. Many assume that the “invasion” is what advocacy organizations are supporting. No major Darfur advocacy organization supports an invasion.
In my introduction I said “We need to plea to President Bush to help in this major crisis” and I still support this because he has done nothing to help and we need him to help. To get more information go here
It is not a very obvious question, but it is important thing to ask: Why should we care about the people in Darfur?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I do care.
But isn’t it important to think about both sides of the story?
Because the people in the U.S.A are probably not going to care about anything except for stuff they need to live like food, water, and the prices on gas.
But if people just took a few minutes to think about how they would feel if a army came and started killing them because their race, or religion they would want someone to help them.
How would you feel if an army came and started killing you and your family because of your race or religion?
Joy: Boycott the Olympics
I agree with you in why you want to boycott the Olympics because if the Sudanese government notices that the Olymics won't be held, the Chinese can tell the Sudan they won't but any gas/oil untill they do something about the Genocide.
What do you think we can do to help the people in Darfur?
-Lilian 6th grader, Virginia
Many voices Darfur
Sara from Nevada wrote: It would be difficult to face the refugee, who is my age, and know that I have no answers to the horror that he or she has to face on a daily basis. Something needs to be done to stop these murders. We all need to come together, to help the people of Darfur.
I agree Sara it’s hard to think how these people In Darfur deal with this on a daily basis it is very sad and difficult how people are being kicked out of there house.
I feel guilty because America can definitely help but they won’t they don’t care about Darfur. They care about the dumb issues in America such who gets the WII video game first , or about what crazy thing Britney Spears did next.
So you think that Americans think about silly things then big issues ?
I agree with Sara also. I don’t think the world isn’t doing enough to help. I wouldn’t know what to say to a refuge either.
In Darfur genocide is going on all around them. Each day more and more people of Darfur are missing their friends and family. THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME of genocide. It has happened before in Eastern Europe, and of course during WW2 with Hitler. It’s like nobody is noticing it enough.
World peace seems to never come when we dial 911 and it needs to. Most of the world feels bad for them but not bad enough. Most of them are just seeing the problem at it is and not noticing what it could be if they helped.
Sure we have many problems but at least it isn’t causing death. Our problems such as the presidential voting and Iraq seem not as important.
Could you imagine what it would be like if you lost your family and got driven out of your home? Everybody is saying it would be horrible but we don’t understand. It’s never happened to us.
I keep wondering why this is all still happening still. Does the government realize what they are doing? Do they not care? Genocide MUST STOP!!! Help them!
Always thinking,
Brooke B.
I’m Brian L. and my thinking about the genocide is a lot different than I thought it was from the beginning. Genocide is a horrible thing, but something that is even worse is that its in Africa. Africa is a very poor place; they are helpless and look as if there are no others that will help.
If I were to be a leader then I would help this genocide right away because sooner or later, these Darfurians will soon be no more. Why should we care? America is capable of ending this genocide in Darfur right now. Why don’t we help? These two questions are debated over all the time. But the real question is, if we helped, what we America get in return. Nothing.
Signed, Brian L.
President Bush-
I hope you know about all the problems in Darfur. Now is not the time to be worrying as much about Iraq. If you disagree, just think about this-
Is genocide less important than war? If you think it is, just imagine Darfur as the United States.
Are people being driven from their homes not important to you? Are people’s villages being destroyed not important to you?
What about people’s lives being messed up and ruined? That doesn’t seem important, does it? Think about the darfurians being Americans. How would that be different for you?
If your kids were separated from you and trying to survive on their own, what would you do?
If your wife had to walk for three Hours straight, would that change your opinion?
Think about your home. Isn’t that something you take for granted? Well, Darfurians sleep on sticks with a tarp as a roof. Does this mean anything to you?
Lucy P
Salma,
What I mean by boycott the Olympics is, we should not support it. Don't even watch it. I mean, punish China for neglecting the Genocide. Don't show them support, unless they show us support. If we can get enough people to Boycott the Olympics, we can truely send a message to the Chinese government.
-Joy, 8th grade, MD
I agree with Kate M. because we do have a lot going on in the US but still we have George bush and he can help out by talking with
president Bashir or he can send health care or food money
Matthew,6th grade,Virgina
I can not believe what is happening in Darfer.
kevin,6th graders,Virginia
Dear Salma,
What she means is that China could be a source of the crises. There for they shouldnt have the power to hold the Olympics.
-Margo,6th grade,Virginia
Hi, my name is Alix and I'm a 8th grader in Maryland.
Our nation needs to focus our money and our support towards helping Darfurians and refugees in Darfur. Each day I wake up in a heated house, in a bed and, I eat breakfast. Every day a darfurian, my age, wakes up in a crammed hut, on the dirt floor and scavenges for their morning breakfast and risks getting hurt or killed my the militias.
This genocide in Darfur has been going on for the last five years. Instead of helping them, we have been spending too much money and too many people have been killed. But, too many more people have been killed in Darfur, compared to Iraq. I think it would be better if we spend our money on a better cause where too many villages have been burned, too many people have been killed and too many people have been left homeless. It’s our global responsibility to help replenish the lives of thousands of people. Even if Darfur is not a neighboring country or, it is not a country we’ve been in a close relationship with, I think we should still do something effective. Not that many other countries are focused on helping, donating and saving lives in Darfur. But why can’t the United States be a country which can be helpful in this time of need? I think the United States definitely could make a difference and I think we should start achieving this goal now.
In conclusion, there’s no point waiting for the Janjaweed to strike again so, the sooner the United States or the UN sends troops the better. I think it’s ridiculous that after five years of innocent people dying and the Sudanese government are lying to everyone and no one realizes that is really going on and the truth behind Darfur. After other cases of genocide, we said nothing would happen again. But, it’s happening right now and it seems like no one realizes it is happening. Yes, it will be a lot of money but, I think every penny is worth it. It’s our responsibility to help these people and any other people who are in need when no one else will help. We need to focus our attention, money and help on remaking life in a once peaceful and safe country.
We shouldn't send troops because Darfur isn't more important then Iraq and Darfur isn't americas enemy, but if we send troops to Darfur they might become our enemys
Bigfoot,7th NC
What is happening to our world? We are supposed to be one huge jigsaw puzzle, illustrating one main picture. But there’s always one chunk missing. Is it care? Empathy? Love?
Right now, it’s all three. We, as a community, we, as helpers, and we, as a world should be HELPING those in NEED! Imagine being separated from your family, at whatever age you are, and being expected to survive on your own. Not knowing whether or not the rest of your family is alive, and not knowing whether or not there will be a tomorrow.
Will we ever be able to see the big picture? Will we be able to keep it together long enough to care about the problems of the world? And the main question is: Will we be able to stop our world from falling apart before it’s too late?
I think that the U.S. can help the people in Darfur by instead of spending so much money in the war, we can use that money for the supplies needed in Darfur.
Lilian 6th Grade, Virginia
Dear Gregor I,
I agree with what you said about how "You have to be extremly rasist to do such a thing". I don't understand how people in Darfur could do such a thing to their own people. Many people in Darfur are dying and people around the world have not noticed how much they need help until now. People need to take action!
The thing U.S has to worry about is if the troops go over there people of Darfur might thing we are siding with Darfur. Or the military of Darfur might try to kill our troops. So, I think it might be hard to try to help Darfur, but we can't just sit here and watch all those people get killed!
-Marta,6th Grade,Virginia
Every day thousands are dead, millions forced to leave their homes and too many raped to be counted. What are you doing to help? It is our global responsibility to help put a stop to the genocide in
Darfur. We are here taking things for grated with thinking of the other people that are dying and that would dream to have the things we hate. Since the Sudanese government is not taking responsibility, that leaves us to do something about it. Please help raise awareness to show to the world that we do care and that we’re doing something about it. It started in the early year of 2003,When groups thought that the government was not giving them any money from the oil. so the Sudanese government sent out the Janjaweed to destroy the rebels. By the time that they got there the rebels were gone , so not knowing between the innocent and the rebels they killed everyone. After supporting the Janjaweed and arming them with guns, vehicles, aircrafts and bombs the government denies that they were involved with the Janjaweed or anything that is going on in their own country. now the Janjaweed are just going into villages and killing , burning huts raping girls with out mercy.
Reading about it my be one thing but doing something, anything that will help these people in need will make a big differences. You can start by informing people about the genocide let them know that we can be the solution. Go to save Darfur.com and learn more. You can also go play a game that can show you what it is like to live in a refugee camp. Visit mrmayo.org to see what middle schoolers are doing to help raise awareness about Darfur. You can check out myblog
I think that we should help the people in darfur by sending supplies but not by sending solders.