The Genocide In The Darfur Region

Floor Speech

The Genocide In The Darfur Region

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw awareness to the unconscionable human tragedy that is still taking place in the Darfur region. It has been 5 years since the United States Congress declared genocide in Darfur, but thousands continue to perish.

Today I join activists in 34 countries who started fasting in April when eight organizations were kicked out of Darfur by the Sudanese President, leaving 1.1 million innocent civilians without basic access to food, water, and medicine.

From sunrise to sunset today, I will consume only water to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Darfur. It is an insignificant act relative to the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding there. But I join thousands in this simple act and hope that a critical mass will prick our global consciousness, keep us focused on the hundreds of thousands who have lost their lives.

I especially want to thank the Plymouth United Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, members of the Faith Darfur Coalition, who are joining me today.

My fast won't stop the tragedy unfolding in Darfur, but I hope it will carry me deeper into thought and to help me reflect on how to end this tragedy.

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