Genocide in Sudan
GENOCIDE IN SUDAN -- (House of Representatives - April 27, 2006)
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again to condemn the genocide that is taking place in Darfur, Sudan and to voice my support for the individuals and organizations throughout the United States who work tirelessly to stop this crime against humanity. I would like to recognize the ``Teens Against Genocide'' organization--also known as ``TAG,'' in particular, for its efforts in Los Angeles, California.
Among many other events, TAG has joined with religious, advocacy, and charity groups in the area to organize ``Camp Darfur.'' Camp Darfur is an ``interactive awareness and education event that [brings] attention to the ongoing genocide in Darfur and [gives] individuals the opportunity to discover their own power to make a difference.''
On April 7, 2006, Camp Darfur first opened in Lennox, California, on the sports field of Lennox Middle School adjacent to LAX. In addition, TAG organized a rally and brought Camp Darfur to Westwood, California last Sunday, April 23, 2006. Through candlelight vigils, interactive presentations, video, photography, speeches from experts, legislators, and educators, simulated refugee camp exercises, the groups joining TAG are expanding the awareness of the atrocities taking place in Sudan to bring about peace. It is even more significant that teens are undertaking such mature efforts of advocacy for issues in which they truly believe.
I applaud these young adults and organizations and would like to let the American people know that Camp Darfur will be brought from Los Angeles to Washington, DC in the near future. We must offer our continued support for these efforts and others in order to bring about action. In fact, this coming Sunday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. in front of the Capitol, the ``Save Darfur Coalition'' will hold the ``Rally to Stop Genocide.'' The murder, rape, and torture that have occurred--and still occur--in Sudan must stop.
In July of 2004, the House of Representatives and the Senate declared that the atrocities occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan constituted genocide. On September 9, 2004, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared that ``genocide has been committed in Darfur, and that the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed bear responsibility.'' It is estimated that 200,000 people were killed by government forces and militias from 2003 through 2004, and an additional 200,000 people died as a result of the deliberate destruction of their homes and livelihoods.
Nevertheless, almost two years later, these atrocities continue unabated. The government of Sudan continues to carry out air strikes against civilians in Darfur, and the Janjaweed militias, with the support of the government, continue to terrorize the people of Darfur.
Earlier this year, I traveled to Sudan as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation led by my good friend from California, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. We visited the camps. As far as the eyes could see, there were crowds of displaced people who had been driven from their homes, living literally on the ground with little tarps just covering them. It is unconscionable that this should continue.
Our delegation also met with Sudanese Vice President Taha. He was unapologetic, he was arrogant, and he was uncompromising on their position in Darfur. Sudanese government officials don't like the use of the word ``genocide,'' but Vice President Taha admitted that they had funded the Janjaweed in order to retaliate against the rebels of the south who were resisting the Sudanese government.
There can be no doubt that what is taking place in Darfur is genocide, and the government of Sudan is responsible. There are two million displaced people in camps in Darfur and another 200,000 in camps in neighboring Chad. Each month, it is estimated that another 6,000 people die.
On April 5, 2006, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3127, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act. This bill imposes sanctions on the government of Sudan and blocks the assets and restricts travel for individuals who are responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity in Darfur. I urged my colleagues to support this bill, which passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 416 to 3. This legislation was long overdue.
The world stood by and watched the genocide that occurred in Rwanda. The world has noted over and over again the atrocities of the Holocaust. Yet we cannot seem to get the international community to move fast enough to stop the genocide that is taking place in Darfur.
The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to genocide when it is staring us in the face. We must put an end to these atrocities, or millions more will die.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to encourage and support the work done by advocacy groups such as Teens Against Genocide and to continue legislative action to stop these crimes against humanity.
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