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.
677 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 677 of 677Dear Omar- al- Bashir,
What do you think is happening to your people? They are getting killed, the women are getting raped, and their homes are burned to the ground! Keep this up and you will have no more people to rule over. Please help these people thrive to make a beautiful land and country. Thank you for your time.
Average people in Darfur are being killed by the hundreds because of the color of their skin, religious beliefs, and/or the tribe they're from. I think that's being racist to the extreme. It's like the holocaust all over again. People may not compare this to the holocaust because they don't think it's as extreme, but once you know about it, it's a different story. Genocide is killing in the name of blood!
Tom, 6th grade, New York
Dear President Bush,
We should really be trying to help the people of Darfur, they are being killed and raped by the janjaweed malitia. It isn't good at all. It is a HUGE genocide occuring and we should be helping them. Omar al-Bashir is doing a very horrible thing. It should be stopped as soon as possible. Imagine being one of the people in Darfur, they have a very hard life right now. Being kicked out of their homes and having atacks happening all around them. I don't think t would be a pretty sight.
Ever since 2003, more than 200,00 people in Darfur have been killed. More than 2.5 MILLION people have been moved out of their homes and now are living in refugee camps mostly in Chad.
I think the janjaweed are very bad people. They storm into villiges, torching peoples' houses, stealing cattle, destroying crops, and most horrible of all killing and raping the people of Darfur. The people of Darfurare constantly suffering.Violence is occuring into the Central African Republic.
When I read these articles I was so stunned, i didn't even know that this was happening. It is such a devestating thing. I just can't believe it.
We need to help the people of Darfur!
-Morgan, 6th grade, New York
If I could sit down with a refugee (my age) from Darfur, I would have alot of questions to ask. One question would be, what is your life like living like this? I don't think that people are trying enough to stop this terrible problem that is happening. I think that it would be very hard to talk to the refugee because of how lucky I am. I would feel very bad for him or her. I think that somthing has to be done to help the people in Darfur!
Alexa, 6th Grade, New York
Dear Mr. President,
The United States of America is one of the world’s greatest countries. People around the world, people view our country as a land of freedom and justice. Many of those people live in Darfur, where they have never known anything as great as the freedom that we know. The U.S. should try to be known as the defender of human rights. With 200,000 people killed from violence, disease, and murder in Darfur, the U.S. has to help. If domestic policies could be pushed aside, we could find a plan and stick with it. By disabling militias, thousands of lived can be saved. Any plan would be foolproof if it was supported b many nations, because change can only happen if we all stand together.
Dear President Bush,
I dont understand why you know whats going on in Sudan and you're not doing anything. I wish you would help and stop the genocide instead of just sitting there calm cool and relaxed while innocent people are killed.
Kailyn
Grade 6
New York
If I were to sit down with a refugee From Chad, I would have a lot to say. The people killing the poor innocent people are going to keep on killing them until someone stops them, which will probably not happen until the people get enough troops to try to stop them. I think that those troops mean. They are big time racists. They are killing people that aren't even doing anything except for living their life that they really need to be happy. They are simply killing people just because they are a different religion, and complexion. Overall, what they are doing is really wrong.
Alexandra Grade 6, Ny
Dear Mr. President,
I think it’s very important that we help out in Darfur. What’s going on there is really upsetting and shouldn’t be happening anymore. No one should be judged that way. The U.S. should take a stand against this and help them out in any way we can. We may be making more enemies but we’ll be showing the world we care, and the people who are doing this probably aren’t very fond of us anyway. I know we have other issues to take care of but if we don’t take action now, a whole race will most likely be gone for good. There is no good reason to just sit there and do nothing when people in Darfur are being killed because of their ethnic race, something they couldn’t control, whether they wanted to or not.
Sincerely,
Claudia
Dear President George Bush,
I strongly believe that our country can make a difference in Darfur. People are dying because they don't have enough food, the water isn't clean enough for them to drink and the cannot get enough medical attention. Since the year 2003, 200,000 people have been killed in Darfur. The janjaweed are armed men coming into villages burning down houses, stealing people's cattle, destroying crops and killing people. All of this is happening because of the conflict between Arab Africans and black Africans. It seems to me like it's religious battle, hatred to the other religion. Many people in the refugee camps need your help. We can make a difference in Darfur.
Amrita, 6th grade, New York
Dear Omar al- Bashir,
what you are doing to darfur citizens is a discrace to the human race. you are putting their lives in great danger, and they are paying the consequences for what you are doing. i would like you to stop genocide you. on horses and camels, these armed militamen continue to storm into black villages, torching houses, stealing cattle, destroying crops and raping and killing villagers. if you to leave your home and live under horrible conditions in refugge camp, you would know how it feels to live in pure agony and suffer 24/7. life in darfur is horrible and life is a living hell. more than 20,000 people died since 2003 and more than 2.5 milliom people have been displaced from their homes. the conflict has spread into other countries like chad and hundreds of thousands of chadians have become refugees in their own country beacuse of you and your discraceful government. what type of leader are you stop the madness and life will be better.
From,
Ronald grd 6, new york
letter to omar al-bishir
Dear Omar al-bashir,
Are you stupid??!! You are the president of Darfur and all you are doing is making your countries life a living hell. what is the point of turning your power on your citizens. do you realise that all you are doing is making everyone elses life horrible. if you were in darfurian's shoes how would you feel, if every day you don't know if your town is next in the janjaweed's genocide? if you didn't know if your family was the next to be seperated. if you had to leave your home and live under horrible conditions in a refugge camp. you and your country need help but you keep on shuting the door on other countries. on december 9th your gunman attcked a truck filled with medicene and aid workers kiling 30 people. aid workers space to work is getting smaller and smaller.
do you know the statistics of your genocide? ever since 2003, more then 20,00 people have died. more than 2.5 million people have been displaced from their homes. more and more people are dieing and getting plced in refugge camps every day. The janjaweed is responsible for for the way thousands of people's life and the way they are living.
finnaly you need to learn what being a leader means and you need to STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you get my point,
Tom, grd 6, New York
Dear Omar al- Bashir,
what you are doing to darfur citizens is a discrace to the human race. you are putting their lives in great danger, and they are paying the consequences for what you are doing. i would like you to stop genocide you. on horses and camels, these armed militamen continue to storm into black villages, torching houses, stealing cattle, destroying crops and raping and killing villagers. if you to leave your home and live under horrible conditions in refugge camp, you would know how it feels to live in pure agony and suffer 24/7. life in darfur is horrible and life is a living hell. more than 20,000 people died since 2003 and more than 2.5 milliom people have been displaced from their homes. the conflict has spread into other countries like chad and hundreds of thousands of chadians have become refugees in their own country beacuse of you and your discraceful government. what type of leader are you stop the madness and life will be better.
From,
Ronald grd 6, new york
Dear Presidant Bush,
I feel that the people of our country can make a difference in Darfur, or at least they can try to. The people in darfur are having there crops destroyed, they are being killed and raped. There is a lot going on there and that is why I am writing to you.
I think if we all team up together we can really stop this. This is a conflict between the africans and the a government called janjaweed. I think that the janjaweed are realy bad people. The janjaweed stormed in to the villages and stole there iteams and they even torched peoples homes. I mean just imagine there is a family and they just burried there 21-month-old son. How sad is that.
Since 2003 more then 200,000 civilians have been killed in Dafur. Another 2.5 million people have been displaced and have been put into refugee camps which are mostin chad.
Well i can go on all day about this but I am going to close this up so, the people of of Darfur really need our help, please help!!
-Samantha, grade 6, New York
I think sitting with a refugee would be very weakening. The constant attack, including the rapes, gunfire, arson, and bombings is very hard to think about. It would even be hard to look at the refugee. Why should one life be spared while others get slaughtered? It is hard to think the government of Sudan actually supports this. However, I feel there is hope. Eventually the government will change and hopefully will be against these attacks.
Dear President Bush,
As you know, there is a major crisis happening in the world today, in a country in Africa named Sudan. In Sudan, the eastern side is called Dafrur and it is split up into North and South. The North is wiping out unarmed villages all across the southern part of Darfur. This is known as genocide. I believe that we as the American people need to be proactive with this situation and urge others to help out as well. Now I've heard people say, "We have other things on our minds" and "We have all of our troops in Iraq so what can we do"? But the truth is that sending an army isn't the only ways to help these innocent men, women, and children. Our hearts are with those whom are there fighting now. Thank you.
Sitting down with a kid our age, there would be a lot to talk about. We may not be able to do much alone but other people can. We’re sure they would be very worried so we would try and talk to them about what was going on, and what we were doing to help. First we would say that American is concerned with their problems and that they were doing a lot to help. They could ask what… and we would say that we are sending people down to help with families and people in need. Medical care is a big issue too, and we are doing a lot to help that. Although right now we are not doing the most we could, we are getting there. We would we assure everything is ok and that someday things will be back to normal, and that we were going to do the most to help, and convince others to help too. Most of all we are very sorry at what is happening and wishing them the best.
The Honorable Jim Webb
144 Russell Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator,
Let’s skip pleasantries. The fact of the matter is that I am writing about Darfur, and my ultimate goal is the salvation of the Sudanese refugees. There are, one would assume, reasons why politicians such as you have thus far refused to take action, and I respect that. I can understand that you wouldn’t think it necessary or possible to intervene, but after analyzing the situation, I can safely say that you have no reason not to intervene. Regardless of whether or not it’s legally a “genocide”, hundreds of thousands are dead or dying, and you stand by. Even if it were to be called a “war”, it’s vastly one-sided, with the Janjawid and Sudanese government completely in control. You can hide behind saying “It’s technically not genocide”, but does it matter? The difference between them is motivation, not effect. As for our commitments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq is stabilizing (We’re already drawing back, anyway), and Afghanistan is under the jurisdiction of the U.N. (I.E. Not our problem). The morale of the troops would be, for the most part, rejuvenated, as the popular opinion of the country is with intervention in Darfur. There are numerous societies and charities that would aid in funding and, honestly, it’s not as if America is the only nation with these problems. Somebody’s gotta do it.
Sincerely,
Ben, 10th Grade, Virginia
Dear President Bush,
Do you even know what is happening in Darfur?!? People are being killed, raped, and starved to death. We as a nation NEED to take a stand. I have heard what you said about it, so let’s do something! I think we should send a lot of representatives from the American Red Cross to bring loads of medicine and food. It would also be good if we could get some troops to protect them from the Janjaweed who are doing all of these horrible, horrible things. Thank you and I hope this message has touched you in some way.
Dear President George Bush,
I believe that the United States should get more involved with the crisis that is currently taking place in Darfur. As you probably know, there are hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their lives already, resulting from the genocide in Darfur. And if something isn’t done soon, there will be many more people killed there. The United States is mainly being looked upon as the country that can do something about it, and to fail that would be to fail the millions of refugees in Darfur right now.
Dear Mr. President,
I think that we should get involved with the genocide that is going on right now in Darfur. It is not fair to them that they have no help from anyone, and are getting hunted down and driven out of their homes with no say and nothing they can do about it. Kids that are our age and younger then us are being murdered, and they are too weak a people to defend themselves. Does this mean we shouldn’t care? Does this mean they should be wiped out? I think not. We should do all we can to help the people of Darfur because it is the right thing to do. I know it would be expensive and we would be making yet another enemy. But if we had a genocide going on in our country, we would want people to help us, right? Yes! Remember the golden rule: Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. I don’t think it’s a good idea just to sit around and wait to get involved. Because if you don’t get involved and don’t get involved, eventually the problem just solves itself. As in, everyone eventually dies, and the entire ethnic group is wiped out. We don’t want that to happen. Let’s not make the same mistake we did during the Holocaust. Help the people of Darfur, Mr. President. They need it.
Sincerely,
Beatrice
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
Why are you doing this to the people of Darfur? It is unfair because most of the people can’t even defend themselves. Think about it, what if you were one of the people of Darfur and people were coming in and doing bad things to you and maybe even killing you? So with that thought in mind, please stop doing this to the people of Darfur. You could bring in the UN troops to help the people. There are so many chances for you to help the people, but you aren’t taking them. These people are in your hands. Please Omar al-Bashir, please stop this terrible thing you are doing to the people of Darfur.
If I could sit down with a refugee in a camp in Chad, and tell them what I was doing in my country to help stop the Janjaweed, first I would say that the other supporters and I are begging the U.S. government to intervene. Then I would tell them that for two days, people would be posting videos and comments to try to get the U.S. to do something. Then I would ask them if they wanted to ask them if they wanted to tell me anything that they wanted to say about how hard it has been on them. Then I would let them be alone and dwell upon their thoughts.
If I could visit the camps in Chad and sit down one-on-one with a refugee who is my age, I would explain to them the many things that people in our country are doing to help spread awareness and make a difference. I would tell them that some people have signed petitions to tell leaders that the world has to start taking action now. Other people are raising money. People are also scheduling meetings with their elected officials to talk to them about this issue. There are many other ways that people are helping out with this issue.
Dear President Bush,
My name is Ciara I am about 12 years old and I’m worried about the Darfur. I hope you are too. I’m glad you care about this problem. I’ve watched videos and this is unbelievable! People going around raping, putting houses on fire, and even murder! Over four million people are in need! That’s not acceptable! People in America want the new iPod or the new Coach purse when people in Darfur are worried about what might happen to them tomorrow! We get a great school and education when people don’t even get enough food! I think you see the point. We need to act and fast! If we don’t those who have already been in need may lose their lives because we sit around worrying about things they don’t even have! We need to act and fast!
I hope you understand,
Ciara
Dear Omar-al-Bashir
The people in Darfur are suffering very badly. They are being abused in many ways. They are How would you like to come home to find your family, dead, and your wife raped. Some of these people are coming home to that everyday! People go home at night with no food for a week, some starve to death. Over 4 million people are in bad condition. People are dying everyday and it is all because of you and the decisions you make! People’s houses are being burned down, women are bring raped. This is not how you are supposed to treat people! Just think how you would feel if someone did that to you and your family.
If I could visit the camps in Chad and talk to a refugee from Darfur my age, I would tell them that everything was going to be alright. And that they would be fine as long as they believed, because sometimes, things will turn out your way as long as you have a positive attitude. We can, should, and will spread awareness about what’s going on in Darfur so that more and more people will help them. A lot of people are already trying to help; other countries are already trying to stop this-and they will. If they were separated from their families, they’ll be reunited with them someday and that all they have to do is have faith and believe.
Dear Mr. Omar al-Bashir,
I would like to ask you a question. Do you realize what you are doing to the poor, innocent people in Darfur?!? You are killing them and hurting them! You need to STOP this! You have a terrible reputation. You are killing your own people! How would you feel if someone came to power as a dictator (ahem, you!) and started killing everyone and burning houses down for no reason! (Ahem, you again!!!) How would you feel if your parents, relatives, or friends were killed? Or if your home was burned down to the ground? I don’t think that you’d appreciate that very much. Apparently, you think this type of government works. Let’s see, millions of people in Darfur are suffering! Oh sure, this government is working…not!!! Families are being torn apart, as well as hope. You have brought fear into everyone’s lives! What you are doing is wrong, and sooner or later someone is going to take action and put a stop to this! Mr. al-Bashir, you have chosen the wrong type of government for Sudan! Haven’t you ever heard of the saying, ‘Violence is not the answer?’ You need to stop this violence immediately!
Dear government of the U.S.A,
I think our country should help Darfur. I think when our war is over; you should send the army to Darfur to take care of the Sudan armies. I think what Sudan is doing to Darfur is cruel. People are getting hurt, scared, and raped every day. We need to put a stop to this. Everyone is God’s, and if God were here in our country, I would think he wants us to deal with this. Would you just want this to happen to you? I don’t think you would and neither do they. So we need to end this. If this happens, we might have a war against Sudan, but it will be for the sake of Darfur, to save their people. Please help Darfur.
Dear Mr. President,
We need to help the people of Darfur. I know that we have limited troops as we are already fighting two wars and are having economic problems here in the U. S., but we can at least do something to help. Even if you just hold fundraisers for the people of Darfur or send negotiators to help work out the differences among the groups this would show that the U.S. cares. In the Holocaust, we could have saved lives by acting quicker. Now we have a chance to save lives again, and if we wait too long, the world will lose a whole ethnic group. Right now, we are doing nothing to help the people of Darfur, which means doing anything, even something small, would be helpful. We are the Superpower of the world and people are waiting for us to act.
Sincerely,
Andrew
If I could sit down with one of the kids in the camp in Chad this is what I’d say.
“I’m very happy to see you and want to help you. I would like to stop the people, your people, from being abused. So this is what I will do. I would like to ask Churches and my community to help fundraise money for you and the people of Darfur. I ‘m very sorry for all of the damage this has made in your life. America is sorry for not helping sooner. America will know and want to help. Missionaries have come down, and more will, to help you, your friends, and your family. Doctors have come and will keep on coming to help you. I know there has been unbearable violence that you have seen, but it can’t and won’t go on forever. All who know, are wanting to help. We all are sorry and this will get better with the help of America. God will work in your life. We are praying for you and your people.
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
Sir you need to realize the physical reality to this. Thousands of people are dying all because of you! Put yourself in their position. Soldiers are coming in and killing your loved ones, burning down your houses, and raping your wives. You are then needed to go to a refugee camp away from family and friends with almost no medical attention. You don’t have enough food or water and you are surrounded by crying woman and children. You are the reason these people are in pain and suffering just because of beliefs! Think about what you are doing. You are killing your own people.
Dear President Bush,
We should support the refugees in Darfur, not only because they need our help, but also because it would be a great thing to do in the world. Tons of people are dying because it would be a great thing to do in the world. Tons of people are dying because of the genocide and we can help prevent even more from dying. More then 400,000 people have already been killed from the genocide. There are a lot of bombings and Janjaweed attacks occurring in Darfur everyday killing tons of people. One thing that could be done to help stop the genocide is to pay the Sudanese government and get rid of the Janjaweed throughout the UN. I hope we can help Darfur, stop the genocide and make peace in Africa.
Sincerely,
Kyla
Dear U.S. Government,
There are people in Darfur who are dying, starving, and being mistreated .We aren’t even doing any thing about it. Just watching and seeing pictures of these people makes me so sad! We need to take a stand and raise awareness. To help them out we should send out doctors, food, and raise money for their medicine.
Dear General Bashir,
Do you realize what you are doing to your own people? Different people have different opinions and you are killing and hurting people for what they believe. I know that you would hate it if you were them. Also you are killing and hurting people that can’t even defend themselves. Do you see what you are doing? I can’t believe anyone would ever even think about doing something this harmful. Don’t you see that you are the bad guy here, not them? I pray that you stop and you take time to think about what is happening to YOUR country.
Dear President Bush,
I believe we should help the victims of genocide in Darfur. I do not believe we should send in troops. This is because our troops are spread thin as it is, and it would cost a lot of money to redeploy them. I think we should send in care packages to the refugees. We could also train and equip the refugees in order to help them fight back. I realize that the last time we equipped a nation in need, they formed the Taliban, but I believe that that was a one time result, and that we need to teach these people to fight back against their oppressors.
Sincerely,
Henry
Dear Mr. Omar al-Bashir,
Do you know what you are doing to these people, your own people? Not just men but innocent women and children. They are being murdered, raped, and their houses are being burned down. There are 4 million people in need of homes medical assistance, and some of them have been killed. Your own people are dying and you are causing all of it. Children are stranded alone with no one to help them, no one to comfort them. The nights, the days, the weeks, and the years for these people are lived in fear; of you and your soldiers. They are running from you, afraid of death creeping toward them afraid of punishment, torture, and pain. Just because a couple of people don’t agree with the way you control the government doesn’t mean you should do this. You are tearing up families and even your country. Please think about what you are doing to your people. The poor innocent and children men and women you are bringing harm to. Please tell your soldiers to stop doing this to your people they are getting hurt and it would mean the world to them if they could just stop having to worry about what is happening. You need to tell your soldiers to leave the people alone.
Dear Mr. Omar al-Bashir,
Do you know what you are doing to these people, your own people? Not just men but innocent women and children. They are being murdered, raped, and their houses are being burned down. There are 4 million people in need of homes medical assistance, and some of them have been killed. Your own people are dying and you are causing all of it. Children are stranded alone with no one to help them, no one to comfort them. The nights, the days, the weeks, and the years for these people are lived in fear; of you and your soldiers. They are running from you, afraid of death creeping toward them afraid of punishment, torture, and pain. Just because a couple of people don’t agree with the way you control the government doesn’t mean you should do this. You are tearing up families and even your country. Please think about what you are doing to your people. The poor innocent and children men and women you are bringing harm to. Please tell your soldiers to stop doing this to your people they are getting hurt and it would mean the world to them if they could just stop having to worry about what is happening. You need to tell your soldiers to leave the people alone.
In the middle of the night I've awakened up to the sound of organizations on television asking for donations for the poor families in Darfur and I always wished there was something that I could do. I almost want to apologize for my ignorance because things In Darfur have gotten much deeper. My opinion on things going on there are that things are sad, families are being killed and it upsets me. My only question to you Mr. Bush is what are you going to do about these horrible things, and when are you going to do it? I am only one of the hundreds or maybe thousands of different kids with opinions on this very issue but you're a person of power who can make change. Please bring this issue to the public as much as possible. Show the world you care as much as we do. These people do not deserve this daily pain that they endure, no human being does.
Cherron R, grade 11, Philadelphia, PA
“Never Again”, we said these words after a truly horrendous event that happened sixty years ago, the holocaust; the ultimate example of genocide, racism and mindless prejudice. These words are proudly emblazoned on the wall of a building in the heart of the nation’s capital and yet, deliberation continues on a topic that is a terrible testament to the hypocritical nature of Americans; Darfur and the ongoing genocide. With the 5 year anniversary passing last week and the action for help only just truly starting. That’s why the people of Darfur are crying for aid, help for the two and a half million people displaced and justice for the 400,000 killed. And we have a global responsibility to stop this tragedy and to raise awareness to stop this.
Many people say “Knowledge is power” well, in this case no matter what you say, knowledge IS power, the power to stop this horror ,the power to pressure president Bush, to pressure Sudan into stopping. And if you say that this does nothing than have some proof: The Chinese are one of Sudan’s greatest trade partners they are also hosting the 2008 summer Olympics. After being publicly berated by many celebrities such as George Clooney and Mia Farrow with talk of Genocide Olympics and, also with Steven Spielberg withdrawing as artistic director, China has started to add some pressure to the ever growing pile.
One of the main reasons the holocaust was so successful was because no one knew. There were rumors flying but even when pilots would fly over camps they wouldn’t realize. In Hungary the deportation was swift so effective no one knew until it was too late. This cannot be allowed to happen today we need to stop this go to anyone we can and show people this is not the way.
On a website called Voices from Darfur, there are personal stories from survivors of the genocide in Darfur. This site has depressing stories about what happened to them and it’s so hard to believe that people know about this and are doing nothing to stop it. Even though not everyone knows about the crisis in Darfur, people who are have the power to make a difference and have the influence to stop this disaster, they’re not doing anything and this shouldn’t be happening. It’s surprising that people could go through everyday, not caring about what is happening to the people in Darfur, and not care to do anything.
So many horrible things are happening in Darfur and not enough is being done to help them. Over 400,000 people have been killed and many people have been forced to flee from their homes. People are dying and they’re in danger, they need help but not enough is being given to them. Since the Sudanese government isn’t doing anything to help the people who are going through this, its our global responsibility to help these people and raise awareness so more people know about it, since the media isn’t helping raise any awareness about what’s happening in Darfur. Even though not many people know about the problem in Darfur, there are people who know about it and can do something about it, but are not doing anything this shouldn’t be happening and everyone should be trying to be doing something to help these people. Even though the UN has resolved to have something done, they’re not doing anything and people are still dying.
Dear President Bush,
I’m sure you’re aware of the cruelty happening in Darfur; however, nothing is happening to help them! Thousands of people are being killed, abused, and raped every day, and we aren’t helping. As one of the most powerful countries, we should be helping others. If we helped them, we could be doing so much to support them: provide protection, stop the Janjaweed, and plenty more. Also, the people in Darfur have just as much reason to live as we do. So, why not help? We have nothing to lose. Please, for the sake of the people in Darfur, think about being an International helper to these traumatized folk.
Allison, 7th grade, Colorado, USA
Dear Government Leaders,
We as a country need to raise awareness about genocide. It is a problem in many countries throughout Africa. It has been taking lives of people young and old. We could do something help them like send money for medicine. It would just take a few fundraisers and some donations and we could end up saving many lives. This problem isn’t’ known very largely in the United States so the fundraisers not only will help get money spread the word every where.
Dear President Bush,
Because of the recent genocide in the Darfur region, it would mean a lot to the people there if we could send in some support to rid them of the terrorists committing genocide in the region. The terrorist group called the Janjaweed have killed 500,000 and made refuges of 2,500,000. Those are extremely startling numbers. Imagine if that happened in our country. We would certainly be doing something by now. These are our fellow men, even though they are half a world away, their lives still matter. The children and people of Darfur don’t deserve this violence and racism. So we’re asking you to help, simply that.
Sincerely,
Rachel and Dylan, 7th grade, Colorado, USA.
If I could talk with a refugee my age, and tell them what people in my country are trying to do to help them I would say that many people are donating. I would also say that they are donating so that they can get the water supplies that the people in these camps need in order to survive. I would also tell this person that the people in my country are also getting more educated about this problem. Also, that because they are getting more educated about this problem they are trying even harder to help them.
Hannah, 7th grade, Colorado, U.S.A.
If I were talking to a refugee, I would probably cry. It is so sad! I can't even believe this is happening at all. I never even knew that this was going on! This is so horrible I want to cry. And I am sure I am not the first one. I don’t know how they can even go through this, without killing themselves or something. I can’t believe so many people are dying and being raped. I don’t even know if anyone besides my seventh grade class knows about this. But that is going to change, and soon. I am going to email to all the people on my address book links that tell about the situation in Darfur, and encourage them to do the same. And I encourage all you kids out there like me to do the same! Maybe we can raise enough awareness to get someone to do something about it. And anyone who can, send and email or letter to a government leader (if you can't don't worry about it) and ask for their help to help those in Darfur. Do anything you can to help! They need us to help and we want to give it to them, am I right? Everyone please pray and I will be praying too.
Dear President Bush,
We think that we should do more to help out Darfur and the struggles they are going through. Right now Darfur is going through a really harsh time and they are barely holding themselves up. By us helping more hopefully Darfur can make a comeback soon. We can also put more troops over there and so the violence will maybe come down so they have more of a fighting chance. Also we can send over water and food to help them some more. Last we can give them some money to help out with their struggles so hopefully they can have it a lot easier for them.
If I could talk to a refugee in Chad that is my age, I would tell them about all the people in my country that are helping to make a difference. To begin, some people are creating posters to inform others about the problems in Darfur. Also, I would tell them how people are learning about the genocides in Darfur and then they talk to others about getting involved with helping these refugees. People are also writing letters to political leaders about helping these Africans. Finally, there are people posting their opinions on blogs. Then I would say that even though their situation seems hopeless right now, many people are dedicated to helping this cause. This is what I would say to a refugee in Chad.
In our country we are trying our best to help. We are sending people to help justify the people who are harming the cause of Sudan. There are fundraises and also many money raising benefits that provide necessity’s to all the unfortunate people. We are also sending up medical specialists to help those who are wounded or dying. We wish that things could be different. All the things that are happening are horrible and we pray that the actions cease. We will do all we can to help and keep you in our prayers.
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
There are many bad things happening in your country. Women and children are being raped, killed, and kidnapped. War is raging between Muslims. People are being killed by racist groups. People are being bombed in there own villages. People are attacking villages on horses, destroying everything, even the people. Some of them feel the need to burn holes in peoples legs for fun. Some of them are so heartless that they kill a 7 mouth pregnant women. If you could do something to stop this, that would be great.
Nick and Jordan, 7th grade, Colorado, United States
Dear Mr. Bush,
Every day In Darfur 500,000 people die because of the Sudan Militia and 2,500,000 people are taken captive. These people are abused and beaten. If this were going on in our country wouldn’t you want to put an end to the suffering of your people? Their leader does nothing to help ours should do something and save these people from abuse. They have to live their lives in fear. People have to be cautious just to go to a well to draw water without being taken captive. Help them, please.
If I were talking to a refugee, I would probably cry. It is so sad! I can't even believe this is happening at all. I never even knew that this was going on! This is so horrible I want to cry. And I am sure I am not the first one. I don’t know how they can even go through this, without killing themselves or something. I can’t believe so many people are dying and being raped. I don’t even know if anyone besides my seventh grade class knows about this. But that is going to change, and soon. I am going to email to all the people on my address book links that tell about the situation in Darfur, and encourage them to do the same. And I encourage all you kids out there like me to do the same! Maybe we can raise enough awareness to get someone to do something about it. And anyone who can, send and email or letter to a government leader (if you can't don't worry about it) and ask for their help to help those in Darfur. Do anything you can to help! They need us to help and we want to give it to them, am I right? Everyone please pray and I will be praying too.
Dear Leaders of our Country,
As you already know there is an ongoing issue of genocide in Darfur. It is come to our attention that you have already openly admitted that there is genocide occurring in Darfur. Although you have made some effort to try and end the conflict I believe that there is much more that can be done. A couple actions that could be taken are to solve this issue in Darfur, is to enforce UNAMID. This organization is gaining strength and will be able to end the conflict in Darfur by decreasing violence. This organization needs more support from other countries so that it can take action as soon as possible. The people of Darfur and others involved would greatly appreciate the United States taking action by supporting this organization.
Another important action that could be taken by the United States is to lobby China's support in ending this conflict. Although this might be difficult we know the United States is capable of completing this task. If us and China are both able to take action then it would catch the eye of many surrounding nations causing there to be a very large amount of support to end this conflict. The United States and China are two of the biggest and most important nations in the world. If other smaller countries saw that the countries that they look up to are taking action, then it would cause them to do the same. If this action is followed through on then conflict in Darfur will quickly come to an end.
This violence in Darfur is unacceptable. The United States should not accept another genocide. We must take the actions that we have already stated in order to stop genocide from spreading. If we continue to ignore this great conflict in Darfur, many more lives will be lost and the conflict could escalate all throughout Sudan. I really hope that you consider our proposal.
Sincerely,
Sam, Logan, Andrew
A call for action
Dear Al Sharpton:
Now at this very moment as I write this letter, the people of Darfur, located in the far western region of the Sudan, are being driven from their homes, caught in civil war, and at the worst case scenario, brutally murdered. The statistics of this conflict
are astronomical,2 million people have been driven from their homes and an estimated 400,000 people have been killed in this conflict.It should be noted that these statistics are two years old, the actual statistics are said to far exceed these numbers. These people have done nothing to deserve this holocaust they are going through. They are being caught in between a civil war with no end in sight.
The reason I wrote this letter is because I believe that it is important to support
your people, one will often hear that the Jewish stick together and that black people have lost a sense of unity and trust.Right now our people are being put to death, being put out their homes, and being treated like refugees.This is with out a doubt a call for action. I believe in my judgment that you are the person to go to that is able to support our people and speak for our people who have had their voices taken away from them.
Sedrick C, grade 11, Philadelphia, PA
If I had the power to decide what the USA should do..... I would try to finish the war in iraq as soon as possible and than try to stop the problem. Maybe by starting a donation to help the innocent people of Darfur. What ever needs to be done to help them. But you cant help but think of all of the people living without homes and food in our country! Why are we not helping them before we give to the people in Darfur?
If I were to talk to a refugee from Chad, I would tell them that we are spreading the awareness around our middle school. I would also ask our moms to see if we can start a fundraiser around our town. I and my friends will try to put up fliers around town and put a phone number on the paper. So that they can call and donate money or other items that might be of some use.
7th Grade, U.S.A.
I agree with a lot of you, in that we are not doing what is best for their country at all. However, we have a couple problems of our own:
1. You may not have been aware, however our dollar is failing due to our debt. (Remember, if our dollar falls other currencies fall with it.)
2. We are really not on good terms with the middle east after Iraq, something similar could happen in Darfur.
3. Even if we stop the genocide now, who is to say it won't start back up once we leave Darfur.
4. Lastly, even though helping them is the right thing to do, we don't have to be the "World Police".
Now, I know some of you are not necessarily saying our government should help, but rather our citizens. This might seem like a good plan at first, but think about it, even if your congressman (or whoever you send your letters to.) receives the letters, do they care enough about the topic to change it?
Like stated before, our country has so many other problems, we don't need to add in Sudan's as well. Even though it is a very bad situation in Sudan, we don't need to step in right now.
The bottom line:
Right now, helping Sudan could cause a lot of potential harm to our own country.
I hope you all take these factors into consideration.
- Anton
Dear George W. Bush,
We are concerned for the people living in the area of Darfur, Sudan who are being killed and forced to leave the area. The reason for all of this is racism and Muslim violence, because they are committing genocide against these innocent people. We believe you should take action by supporting international efforts in order to prevent these horrible actions being done to these poor people. If you support this organization {international efforts}their campaign that has been largely ineffective up to this point may stand a chance at keeping peace in this troubled area.
Yours sincerely,
Paul and Pablo
The Darfur conflict has obviously affected many people but, not only does it affect the children or the Darfur region, but the Muslim children of the areas that are being attacked and the attackers. Some children are being used to deceive. Some can’t see their parents, and some are left on the street to starve. What’s worse is that over two million refugees are being placed in the hands of others. As a bonus, this conflict affects the future of Darfur, the children, are being convinced violence is the answer. This affects our future because then, if they keep on believing this, there will be even more wars. People are going against their religion and also going against other religions by killing each other and burning down the villages. If we get in to deep, the conflict will not be stopped. The conflict can only be stopped if we all pitch in!
Dear President Bush,
We think that the United States of America should help the crisis in Darfur. It is a tragic problem. People in Darfur are being killed by the Janaweed. The men are murdered and the women are raped. Some are considering it genocide. Towns are being burned to the ground. Innocent people are killed when they have done nothing. We need to help and make the world have peace. Our country should donate some money to companies and organizations to help Darfur. We can help if we just try, people can do little things to help them. This will make peace between the U.S. and Sudan. The country is poor because of the civil war and needs help.
Sincerely,
Anastazia and Hannah
Dear Government Leader,
As you know, the situation in Darfur has gotten worse than anyone ever anticipated. I acknowledge the steps that we as a country have taken, however they do not seem to be working. I have very strong feelings toward the situation in Darfur, and I would like my country to represent them.
I would like to begin with saying that the steps we have taken are in the right direction. President Bush’s UNAMID plan is a very good plan that could eventually result in a more peaceful region if the right steps are taken. As a citizen, my interpretation of the plan is this: a small number of troops were deployed to the Darfur region in order to help protect the refugees. Although this is a good plan, the plan appears to not be working. The Sudanese government is not cooperating, and the troops are also being attacked. President Bush needs to either put more resources and support into this plan or pull the troops out. Having the troops remain in the situation they are currently in will just be costing the lives of many brave men and women. I think that if the troops are given more support they could do their job more efficiently and be very big contributors to the end of the genocide.
I think that the world should also consider the fact that military action may not be the right approach to this situation. When the Holocaust was happening, the United States allied with Britain and France, and led a full-scale war against Germany. This cost many troops but eventually the Germans were stopped. We could take the same approach, and lead an invasion into Sudan, however I’m sure there are other ways. Violence is not always the answer. We already have most of our troops in Iraq, and I don’t believe our government has the funding or the approval of the public to start another war against the Jangiweed. I think that Bush should also continue to bring sanctions against the Sudanese government. These political actions will continue to hinder their cash flow and weapons flow. I believe that this is the alternative to starting a war. Political actions are our countries best option right now. Bush’s sanctions on May 29, 2007 are a perfect example of what he should continue to do. These are crippling to the Janjaweed’s operation, and we do not lose any lives of our troops.
All in all, I am very proud of the fact that our country and government are acknowledging what is going on in Darfur and the atrocities that the people there are suffering. I’m proud that we are taking the best steps we can to stop the violence. I hope that this letter inspires more ideas and will help the cause.
Thank you,
Ben
Dear Government Leader of The United States of America,
As you know there is a major crisis going on in Sudan with Darfur. Some may even call this genocide. International efforts towards this crisis are a very big thing right now. Through international efforts, countries show that they are willing to help others in need even though they are in another country. Down the road, these efforts can create allied countries that can be useful in the long run. This isn’t the only reason why countries should help these people in Darfur. Another reason is because these people are in big need of help. Without help, more and more deaths will occur and the violence will become greater and greater. If a crisis this big goes too long without efforts to stop it, then it could last for a very long time and could get out of control. The U.S. has done a lot to help these people of Darfur and we should continue to help them by giving food, money, protection, and alerting other countries. Eventually these international efforts will be enough to control the violence and put an end to this crisis.
Sincerely,
Cotter
http://www.standnow.org/campaigns/seal
Dear President Bush and Government,
As you know, the genocide in Darfur has been taking place for about five years. Over 500,000 people have been killed and millions have gone to refugee camps. This needs to be the year for this to stop. Although the U.S. government has been involved in the crisis from passing Resolution 1769 to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that stopped the civil war in Sudan, there is still much more we can do. I think it is extremely important that the United States call on our allies and discuss plans on how to help. By gathering ideas from other countries, including the United States, this could lead to actions that would benefit the people of Darfur. In addition, it would be useful to try to make peace treaties and compromises with the Sudanese government because they are the ones behind this genocide. Although this would be extremely difficult and might not even be an option, however, it is worth a try. Next, the United States government and other countries need to persuade China to take action. China has a major influence over Sudan because they are allies and China gets oils from the region. Having the United States and multiple other countries boycott the Chinese Olympics would definitely get the Chinese attention and make them focus more on the genocide in Darfur.
In addition, more awareness in the news and around the globe has to be spread on the topic. This would gain more international support and more people would be educated. Secondly, the United States should be taking more action. Many have been saying how terrible this genocide is, but not many have made any serious attempts to stop it. The United States should take action by sending in more troops to act as peacekeepers and protect the citizens. Everyday, a person living in Darfur is fearful for there life and no one should have to live like that. Having troops protect citizens would decrease the amount of killings. Lastly, the U.S. and other countries have to stop this violence by passing treaties, making agreements, making compromises, sending peacekeepers, ect. Five years is too long and this conflict is not going to solve itself. Every country should make it a top priority to stop this genocide within the year.
Dear U.S. Government,
Every day, people are dying in the Darfur region. The sad thing is, our country is not helping out to the best of our ability. Sure, we have provided quite a bit of humanitarian relief, but we need to take more action. Giving the people of Darfur some aid will be able to sustain them for a bit, but in the end it won’t stop the genocide. Thousands of people have already been killed as a result of the genocide, and a couple million more displaced. Most of these people are innocent civilians, and do not deserve this treatment whatsoever.
This isn’t an issue that will just go away by itself; military intervention might even be needed. We need to learn from our past experiences. About two million people died from the Rwandan Genocide, and we can’t let history repeat itself. The United States will most likely play a big role in the outcome of this genocide, and it’s up to you, as the leaders of our country, to decide what that outcome will be. Violence should not have to be the answer, but it seems like that might be our best option.
Please take the time to consider your options, and to realize how important your decisions are to the future of the Darfur area. Thank you.
Dear Mr. President,
What exactly is your plan for Darfur? You have tentatively expressed revulsion at what is going on, but when the call to war sounds you back down. You partly justify the Iraq invasion on the fact that Hussein was killing a few hundred Kurds. You manage to spin that into a full-scale war, but you are afraid to defend millions of threatened Darfuris? To a 9th grader like me, this looks foolish and wimpy. Guess what it looks like to the UK, Germany, or most importantly, China? Foolish and wimpy. We are showing that, contrary to what used to be public opinion, freedom from genocide is only our highest priority in the world when ‘the world’ includes oil fields being sucked up by Exxon Mobile. That may be what you believe or not, but it doesn’t matter; the only thing that matters is that to every other nation it looks like we have a double standard on world freedom. We pressure Britain into sending a full-scale invasion of Iraq to liberate 250 Kurds, but we are incapable of doing anything but implementing weak, ineffective economic embargos. Do you really think that we can do anything against them economically when the Chinese are buying 60% of their oil from Sudan, dropping coins into the pockets of corrupt warlords in Khartoum? We can do NOTHING, except for a military strike. We need to get the support of NATO and the UN, and send in a coalition to liberate the most oppressed poeple in the world. The time for fancy speeches in Geneva and sweet-talking Chinese CEO’s is over; we need a full-scale military invasion of western Sudan. There is no way we can deal with a government as corrupt as Khartoum. Our words just bounce off them, so lets see how they like our missiles.
If I could talk to an eight year old girl in a refugee camp in Chad, I would ask these questions. What do you think the U.S.A. should do to help? How would the U.S.A. do it? In Chad do you feel safe? Where do you get water? What are your main goals? I'm sad that I can't talk to an eight year old in Chad, but this is almost good enough.
Sara S., 3rd grade, Florida
Dear Mr. Bush.
Adults and children alike are dying everyday in Sudan. The genocide is causing children to come home to find their parents missing. When someone is kidnapped, they have two choices: come into the army or die. This all started from religious and some other issues.This is a very serious issue since the president of Sudan is not doing anything. Since we are a very powerful country, I think we can help put a stop to this issue.
Thank You
March 7, 2008
Dear Omar al-Bashir:
There are many violent and regrettable things that are happening to many Africans mostly in Sudan. Even though you are use to your ways I think you should change. Millions are dieing and are forced out of their homes, because of what you are personally doing to women, children, and men. I am sure that what you are planning to do to some else, you would not want them to do it to you, or your family and friends. The terrible things you do make everyone in every village unsafe and that will not change until you have taken a new course in life. However, until you stop these horrible actions, more and more people will suffer in your hands. There is always time to change though so I can truthfully tell you that this is one thing you will not regret! I understand that you can’t change your ways over night, but you should still try knowing that by doing so you can make a difference. It might be tough and there will be some bumpy obstacles on the way but you should keep everything in mind and what your future can be like.
Sincerely,
Tiffany
Have you ever heard of Darfur? How about the Janjaweed? Genocide? No? Darfur is located in western Sudan, Africa. It is in the middle of a conflict. One group of people are trying to eliminate another group of people. This is called genocide.
The Janjaweed have been one of the main players in this conflict since 2003. The Janjaweed are a group of militia that are killing people in Darfur. In other words, they are the ones causing this terrible genocide. If the Janjaweed capture boys, the Janjaweed brainwash them by saying “ If you fight for me, I will not kill your family.” Of course, the boys care about their families. The Janjaweed's supporters are the Sudanese Government. The Sudanese Government have been giving weapons and gives the permission to kill and burn down people’s houses to the Janjaweed. Although the government claims they are not supporters, they really are. What a big lie!
Since the Sudanese Government gave all this power to the Janjaweed, over 9,000 people have been killed, 200,000 [estimated] are dead of violence and disease, and 2.5 million have been displaced since October 2006. Displaced is when people have to move from their homes and go somewhere else. These people are practically attacked every day. They have no clue as to when the next attack will arrive.
When the UN [United Nations] came to find more information about this conflict, they were jailed or killed. Journalists would go to jail. As you can see, the Sudanese Government does not want anyone to find out any information about this conflict.
A lot of people think about what we can do to save Darfur. The problem is, they don’t do it. United Nations just sends peacekeepers to Darfur. Sure, they provide food and water for these people, but when they see someone about to be killed, they just watch them die. They can’t shoot at the person who is trying to kill an innocent person. They are not allowed to interfere with what is going on. Darfur would probably want the US Army to help them. At least they are allowed to get involved.
Darfur is in trouble and the people need help! As you are reading this article, another person could be dying, or another person’s home could be in the process of being burned. Do anything to help Darfur. The more people that are aware of the terrible situation in Darfur, the more people can help. Maybe letters to the UN, or to our government from as many people as possible, will convince them to send military aid to Darfur! Remember that genocide is not a good thing. Also remember to SAVE DARFUR!!!!
Dear Omar al-Bashir,
I honestly think that you shouldn't be allowed to be president of Sudan. Killing people for what they believe in is cruel and wrong. If I were to kill people because I thought what they were doing was stupid, then I would kill anyone who believes in genocide. But I wouldn't because I don't believe in genocide. Please, reach out to your people and make changes to make their lives better. Isn't that what you want? If it isn't...why are you president?
Sincerely,
Lesley
link_New_Leader
I'd recently watched a documentary about Invisibel Childred, and I thought It was very sad how they were all captured and tortured in Darfur. I'm here to post My "VOICE" to speak for all those unheard, and are afraid to be heard, the Invisible children. And I demand that the leader(s) of Darfur come and do something about this, because here in the U.S, it is NOT right, in our beliefs that such torture is going on. And to know that I'm sitting here in my brother's room, while various kids are suffering and dying in so many cruel, bloody ways. Something NEEDS to be done, as soon as possible for these unfortunate kids, who are are the children of GOD. Many people take lives as an advantage, yet, when we complain about our day, at least we should know that there's people suffering worst than we are, with out bad hair days and low paid jobs. And when you ask those people there what they want, some of the kids has asked for an education, something we take advantage of over here in the U.S. While other kids ask for i-pods and toys, no these kids need help, our help. I think that their leader in Darfur should let down his postion to someone who actually cares about thier country. They are in need of a REAL LEADER now.
Sincerely,
Phuong, 9th Grade, Texas
The Invisible Children in Darfur needs help because they are brainwashed into killing people in the street daily, while forced to kill, and not even at their own will. And is they don't kill, they will be tortured, and I think we should help them, because kids are not suppose to go around and act so violently.
Sincerely, LOve,
Bao, 7th Grade, Spicewood, Texas
If I had to explain what was being done to help to a kid in Darfur I would say "not enough." We can and should be helping the people in Darfur. The US has the ability, but for some reason we allow people to continue to be tormented. We can stop this, and it is our responisbility to.
I don’t know where to start there is so much going on in
Sudan right now. Let’s start with the Janjaweed; the definition is a man with a gun on a horse or devil on horseback. The Janjaweed were used to be known for going to non-Arab farms and stealing cattle. The Janjaweed started to become much more aggressive in 2003, after two non-Arab groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, rebelled against the Sudanese government. In response to the uprising, the Janjaweed militias began pillaging towns and villages were members of the African tribes from which the rebel armies drew strength. That’s how the first genocide of the 21st century started and it’s been the longest in the history of the world. It also leaves 200-400,000 have been killed, and about 2.3 million have been forced from there homes. Some people were lucky enough to escape with there life, and now they tell the story of how they were treated. This one man named Abdo, tells a story of how he escaped with his life but others weren’t so lucky. He tells about how they caught him, tortured him by beating him and putting chilly powder in his eyes.
America and the rest of the world have the power to stop this horrible thing but they just sit back and watch the horror unfold.
I agree with manyu people that the best way to stop this genocide is to stop the Janjaweed I think that we should write letters to either our formor or futuer president or darfurs president explaining the situation why we think this is wrong and ask is they can help stop the janjaweed If many people wrote to him than maby he would think about doing something about it if many people were aware of this problem here and in other countries than maybe this genocide may stop. What do you think?
A general response to witnessing Darfur
By. Thomas from Maryland
After witnessing the atrocities in Darfur I have found that the world needs to devise some sort of plan or help for that general area. Of course all countries have their problems but the difference between Darfur’s problems and with our country is that theses problems are how wide spread and destructive the problems are and how helpless they are. In Darfur the problems range from the lack off food too the daily acts off terrorism from the local Janjaweed militia. The worst part of the entire situation is that the people of Darfur have no power over their fate the only things left for them to do is to endure these hardships. That’s why America and more of the countries blessed with security and comfort to help the less fortunate.
What can we do? In America normal people believe that they have no way to help or to affect the out come of this smudge on the face of the world that the genocide, well sadly no it isn’t true normal people can do a lot to help clean up. For one thing normal people can let it be known, many people are still oblivious to the genocide in Darfur. Another great way to help is to donate, the people in Darfur have no means of obtaining any sort of help or money besides donations and those people need all the help they can get. So if you believe that you’re helpless then you need to open your eyes and help.
Dear U.S leaders,
As you may know, the situation in Darfur and Chad is bad, and at the moment is somewhat getting worse. Recently Sudan's oil wealth has grown tremendously, in the region of Darfur, and to be sure that they obtain this area, the Sudanese government sent the Janjaweed into the region of Darfur to secure land that is rich in oil. The Janjaweed are not paid by the Sudanese government, but it is more of a voluntary affair, and they were sent into Darfur to clear and secure the region for the government. They dropped bombs on the villages, burnt the villages, raped women and girls, and killed men, boys, and babies. Over the past 4-5 years, the Janjaweed have killed close to 500,000, and nearly 2.5 have been driven from their homes and forced to relocate. The refugees have been moving into neighboring Chad, to the refugee camps their. The camps have filled up fast, and the food they receive is not worth eating, but they have no other choice. The camps only receive food once a month if they are lucky, and fire wood is becoming harder, and harder to find. There is no medical assistance, and is an impossible place to live in.
The Janjaweed however have now moved from Darfur into Chad, and have started attacking the camps, and death numbers continue to rise. The only problem with this whole situation is that the Sudanese government denies sending the Janjaweed, and continues to deny it. Efforts have been made to send troupes into Darfur and Chad to try and contain the Janjaweed, but Sudan and China have been making the matter difficult. Sudan is China’s leading oil supplier, and to assure good partnership, China has been on their side for quite some time. The U.N has recently agreed to send about 26,000 African only troupes into the region to try and help the refugees. Many people have just now started to take action, but why now why not when it started, like in Iraq. Many people are trying to make a difference, but only now? 4 years later, 500,000 deaths later we have decided that we are going to start taking action, but it might be too late. 1,000’s of generations that were to come will not come because of the deaths. Sure we can stop it, but we might have come too late for all those who are dead, dying, who are homeless, and don’t have much hope.
Did you know that the only reason that the UN hasn’t done anything in Darfur is because a country keeps on getting in the way. This country is China. China gets in the way because China gets most of there oil from Sudan and if troops and help go Darfur oil supply for china may go down. So the question is should China, who has halted efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur, be able to host the Olympics?
The reason why China is so important in this whole picture is because they have so much influence on Darfur, and if we use that influence in the right way then we could put a lot of pressure on the Sudanese Government. Also, the whole reason why China is hosting the Olympics is because they are trying to prove to the rest of the world that they are good enough for the Olympics. So, if we boycott the Olympics then China will do more stuff about Darfur. Also Steven Spielberg has pulled out of the Olympics as artistic director. He says that China had failed to use its influence on Khartoum over Darfur.
The fact that the world has even let this Genocide happen is astonishing for some people. Its astonishing because after the holocaust people said that they would never let this happen again. So if we boycott the Olympics then we will be fulfilling the promise of not letting another genocide happen. So instead of reading about Darfur, go out and do something, and Even if you have Boycotted the Olympics there is so much more you can do.
-Kalman, 8th grade, MD
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