Submitted by Karen Marcus on July 30, 2009 - 5:06pm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 30, 2009
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Paula Chrin, Save Darfur
202-478-6138, pchrin@mrss.com
Eileen White Read, Enough
202.741.6376, eread@enoughproject.org
Mame Annan-Brown, Genocide Intervention Network
202.483.2701, annan-brown@genocideintervention.net
Save Darfur Coalition, Enough and Genocide Intervention Network Respond to General Gration’s Testimony Today
Jerry Fowler, president, Save Darfur Coalition:
"We were encouraged to hear unequivocally from Gen. Gration that he and the Obama administration are pursuing a balanced approach which includes both carrots and sticks as levers to change Khartoum's behavior. We are, however, seriously doubtful of Khartoum's true intention and ability to make good on their promises, and urge Senators to follow up swiftly with Gen. Gration on the classified details of this plan to ensure that it's sufficiently robust to get the job done."
John Norris, executive director, Enough Project:
“It was both notable and disappointing that there was very little discussion from the Special Envoy on justice and accountability. President Bashir is wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity, so it is not surprising that a number of Senators expressed concern that the current approach is heavy on the initiatives for the government of Sudan and light on pressure.”
Sam Bell, executive director, Genocide Intervention Network
“Gration should be commended on his energy but we continue to have concerns that his strategy will not include a balance of sticks and carrots. We still need to hear more.”
Background
The next 18 months represent a critical time for the people of Sudan, and release of the Obama administration’s policy review on Sudan is both crucial and overdue. This week, the House and Senate will hold several hearings focusing on Sudan, peacekeeping and the situation in Darfur.
A variety of Sudan-related issues will be emerging at this week’s hearings and will continue in the coming weeks: the reauthorization of the United Nations peacekeeping force for Darfur, or UNAMID, expected July 30; the anticipated release of the administration’s policy review; and the next steps the Obama administration needs to take to put an end to the Darfur crisis and keep the peace process between north and south Sudan on track.
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About the coalition: The Save Darfur Coalition – an alliance of more than 180 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations – raises public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to the atrocities that threaten the lives of people throughout the Darfur region. The coalition’s member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Darfur. For more information on the coalition, please visit www.SaveDarfur.org.
About Enough: Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on crises in Sudan, Chad, eastern Congo, northern Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Enough’s strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a “3P” crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. Enough works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises. For more information, contact Eileen White Read, 202.741.6376; eread@enoughproject.org.
About Genocide Intervention Network: Genocide Intervention Network is working to build the first permanent anti-genocide constituency, mobilizing the political will to stop genocide when it occurs. Accessible online at http://www.GenocideIntervention.net, Genocide Intervention Network empowers individuals with the tools to stop genocide. Visit www.genocideintervention.net.
