7 in 10 Americans say genocide must be prevented in Sudan: poll
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2004 /U.S. Newswire/ — In a new PIPA-Knowledge Networks poll 69 percent said “If the UN were to determine that genocide is occurring” in the Darfur region of Sudan then the UN, including the US, should “act to stop the genocide, even if it requires military force.” Only 19 percent were opposed and 12 percent did not give an answer.
At the same time, Americans are inclined to believe that genocide is already occurring there. When presented two positions, only 24 percent endorsed the view that what is occurring in Darfur “is just a civil war between the government and people in a resistant region that happen to be of a different ethnic group.” Instead, 56 percent took the position that what is occurring in Darfur, where “a million black African Darfuris have been driven into the desert by Arab militias who have destroyed their farms and prevented them from receiving relief,” is genocide. Twenty percent declined to answer.
These are some key findings of a PIPA-Knowledge Networks poll conducted July 9-14 with a nationwide sample of 892 American adults (margin of error plus or minus 3.3 percent) The poll was fielded by Knowledge Networks.
Sixty-five percent favored a UN military force to enforce the recent ceasefire agreement that is also supposed to allow relief organizations full access to the people who have been driven from their homes.
A majority would also be willing to contribute US troops to such an operation, provided that other countries contribute the lion’s share. Asked, “If other countries–African, European and others–were willing to contribute three quarters of the troops for a UN military force to enforce the ceasefire agreement in Darfur, do you think the United States should be willing to contribute one quarter?” 57 percent said that the US should be willing, while just under one third (32 percent) said the US should not be willing.
A mere 14 percent said they have heard “a lot” or “some” about the situation in Darfur. Those with greater awareness of the situation were much more likely to believe that genocide is occurring in Darfur and to support taking action.
To view the full analysis, press release, and questionnaire, please go to http://www.pipa.org