MOORE: We Must End Genocide in Darfur with Two-Pronged Diplomatic and Divestment Approach
Press Release
MOORE: We Must End Genocide in Darfur with Two-Pronged Diplomatic and Divestment Approach
Moore Supports Today's Legislation Requiring Divestment from Darfur to Push for End to Genocide
As a co-sponsor to H.R. 180, Congresswoman Gwen Moore today supported passage of a resolution that would require the U.S. Government to stop contracting with companies that have business relationships with governments involved in genocide.
"I am appalled, outraged and deeply distraught by the atrocities occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan. We don't have time to sit on our hands - we must act to end the genocide in Darfur," Congresswoman Gwen Moore said. "This legislation would stop the federal government from entering into contracts with businesses if they have relationships and investments with Sudan and other governments involved in genocide. History has shown that divestment is a powerful tool in ending atrocities, such as apartheid in South Africa, and hopefully this legislation will have a similar effect."
The Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007, H.R. 180, is expected to pass the House today. The legislation would:
* Establish a list of companies whose business in Sudan is deemed to directly or indirectly support the genocide,
* Ban federal contracts with such companies,
* Require the Government Accountability Office to investigate the existence and extent of all Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board investments in such companies,
* Uphold the rights of states to enact their own divestment laws.
Moore supported the legislation as the genocide crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan continues to ravage its people. The Janjaweed militia, with the support of the Sudanese government, have tortured, raped and murdered the people of Darfur - forcing thousands of refugees to flee the country.
"It is inconceivable that we would allow this tragedy to continue. This legislation provides a powerful diplomatic and divestment tool that we can use to try to end this horrible atrocity," Moore said.
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