Read More About Darfur

The current crisis in Darfur, a region of Western Sudan the size of Texas or France, began in 2003. After decades of neglect, drought, oppression and small-scale conflicts in Darfur, two rebel groups mounted a challenge to Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir. These groups represent agrarian farmers who are mostly non-Arab black African Muslims from a number of different tribes. President al-Bashir's response was brutal. In seeking to defeat the rebel movements, the Government of Sudan increased arms and support to local tribal and other militias, which have come to be known as the Janjaweed. Their members are composed mostly of Arab black African Muslims who herd cattle, camels, and other livestock. They have wiped out entire villages, destroyed food and water supplies, and systematically murdered, tortured, and raped hundreds of thousands of Darfurians. These attacks occur with the direct support of the Government of Sudan's armed forces.

As the crisis continues today, the intentional displacement of millions has contributed to a major refugee crisis that now is spilling over to its neighbors, Chad and the Central African Republic. Violence continues today not only against Darfurians, but additionally towards humanitarian workers. In the past four years, only a contingent of roughly 7,000 troops from the African Union (AU), which severely lacks resources and experience, has been stationed in Darfur.

"The situation is characterized by gross and systemic violations of human rights and grave breaches of international humanitarian law. The principal pattern is one of a violent counterinsurgency campaign waged by the Government of Sudan in concert with Janjaweed militia, targeting mostly civilians."

– UN Human Rights Council Mission Report, March 2007

What Needs To Be Done?

Ceasefire – The rebels and the Government of Sudan need to agree to stop the fighting.

Protection – The UN recently passed a resolution calling for 26,000 troops to protect the civilians of Darfur. The nations of the world need to offer troops, logistical support and funding to make this joint United Nations - African Union mission possible.

Peace process – World leaders need to urge the rebels and the Government of Sudan to sit down and make lasting peace.

Humanitarian aid – The people of Darfur need shelter, food, and medical supplies, as well as assistance in returning to their homes once they are safe.

Specific countries should do more – China should suspend all arms sales and military cooperation with Sudan until the atrocities have ended; NATO countries should provide logistical support to the UN force; the European Union and the United States need to fulfill their relief aid commitments.

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China. Hosting the Olympics brings prestige and world-wide attention to China at a time when the Chinese government is allowing the murder and harassment of the innocent people of Darfur. All countries have a responsibility to stand up for the people of Darfur. China's economic, political, and military ties to the Sudanese government, however, give it considerable influence over Sudan's decisions.

To learn more about how athletes are fighting for peace in Darfur, watch the Team Darfur videos [2]. Or, take action yourself [3]

For more detailed background on Darfur, check out these background papers from The Save Darfur Coalition [4] and the Enough! Project [5]