Remember Rwanda by taking action on Darfur
Africa Action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Louise Colgan (202) 546-7961
On Day of Reflection on Rwandan Genocide, Africa Action Urges International Intervention in Darfur
April 7, 2006 (WASHINGTON) — Africa Action today marked the
International Day of Reflection on the Rwandan genocide by emphasizing
the urgent need for action on the continuing genocide in Darfur. On this
day, when the international community pledges its commitment to avoiding
another tragedy like that of Rwanda 12 years ago, the crisis in Darfur
continues to grow. Africa Action notes the mounting security concerns
and increasing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and urges the United
Nations (UN) Security Council to overcome obstacles to the rapid
authorization of a multinational peacekeeping mission in Darfur.
Ann-Louise Colgan, Director of Policy Analysis & Communications at
Africa Action, said today, “As the situation in Darfur continues to
deteriorate, the international community must take immediate and
vigorous measures to bring about a multinational peacekeeping mission
with the mandate to protect civilians. The expedited planning for a
future UN mission, recently authorized by a Security Council resolution,
will produce options for action on April 24. Now the duty of the
international community lies in ensuring that these plans, and related
diplomatic efforts, yield an immediate protection force for the people
of Darfur.”
Africa Action notes that the month of April provides a new opportunity
for the necessary international action on Darfur. With UN planning
moving ahead, the Sudanese government’s expulsion this week of the
non-governmental organization managing the largest camp for internally
displaced persons in Darfur has sparked international outrage. This act
exemplifies the need for determined international action and increased
diplomatic pressure on this crisis. UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland
warned this week that, if international resolve flags, gains in
humanitarian aid access made in 2005 are likely to be lost in the coming
year, with disastrous consequences for the people of Darfur.
Marie Clarke Brill, Director of Public Education & Mobilization at
Africa Action, said , “As activists commemorate the massive and tragic
loss of life in the Rwandan genocide, they also realize that the phrase
?never again’ can only be meaningful if applied forcefully to confront
genocide as it occurs. Outspoken and unremitting pressure brought to
bear by concerned Americans has created new momentum for action on
Darfur, and this attention will not cease until a UN intervention
mission is on the ground to halt this genocide.”
To honor the victims of the Rwandan genocide, Africa Action is
encouraging activists to organize film festival events to shine a light
on this issue and to remind audiences of the consequences of ignoring
genocide. A film-screening guide is available at
http://www.africaaction.org/campaign_new/docs/Anniv06RwandanGenocideguide.pdf.
For more information and analysis from Africa Action on the crisis in
Darfur, see www.africaaction.org/darfur.