"Imagine All the People..." (The Darfur Crisis)

Atrocity:
(noun)1. Appalling or atrocious condition, quality, or behavior; monstrousness.2. The quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane

Genocide:
(noun)1. The deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.

Imagine

Imagine over a quarter of a million people brutally murdered. Now imagine many of these poor souls the victim of intense gang-rape or witnesses to their children's horrible death prior to their own demise. Imagine being one of the lucky 'survivors' of these tragic incidents only to live every following day in constant fear of joining hundreds of thousands in excruciating death.

For millions of 'citizens' of Darfur, Sudan; these barbaric conditions have become every day life. In fact, in Darfur alone, an estimated 400,000 people have died since the crisis began in 2003 and over 4.5 million are still in danger of not only continued attacks, but starvation and disease. And that's not including the hundreds of thousands also affected in neighboring Chad and Central African Republic.

The Crisis

In 2003 Sudanese government enlisted "Janjawid" or "Janjaweed" militia to crush rebel activity is Darfur. Janjaweed is thought to mean "devil on a horse" or "madman on a horse". The conflict is primarily about resources. Land (which is becoming very scarce and which farmers and nomads must share), is a main topic. These "men" parade through village after village on horseback, trucks, and camels with automatic weapons and a hate beyond most human beings comprehension.

"They came in the houses and ran after those who were trying to flee. A man was shot four times in the back and in the leg. They then burned the village. Only 10 out of 100 houses remained intact."

"When we see Janjawid, we run. Some of us succeed in getting away, and some are caught and taken to be gang-raped."

Since that time in 2003, the numbers are absolutely staggering. The death, suffering, rape, loss of homes, has become relentless and often seems somewhat overwhelming. In fact, according to Amnesty International USA Executive Director Larry Cox, "United Nations officials have called this the worst humanitarian disaster today."

What is Being Done?

Amnesty International, the world's largest human rights organization, has headed efforts in assisting these human beings and putting the torture of hundreds of thousands to rest. They have funded frequent research missions into the area, including two already this year. AI was responsible for supplying some of the earliest 'proof' of the building tragedy back in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 AI brought the devastation worldwide after continuous lobbying with the Sudanese government finally granted them a 'high level mission' which brought planetary focus to the unspeakable brutality against women and young girls as well as the torching of villages and of course, the violent death.

Amnesty International has also put pressure on the United Nations to send a peacekeeping mission to Darfur. In August 2006 UN Security Council Resolution 1706, which authorized the deployment of 22,500 troops, was passed. Unfortunately, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (claiming a violation of sovereignty) refuses to allow the peacekeeping force to deploy.

Amnesty has now moved many of their efforts towards China, who happens to be the largest single foreign investor in Sudan. Their hopes are to convince China use their influence to permit these peacekeeping forces to take action.

AI has listened, taken action, mobilized worldwide support, organized letter writing campaigns and demonstrations, met with officials of the US, UN and Europe, and much more all in an effort to stop the horrible violence and suffering in Darfur.

"Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur"

"Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur" is the newest "Make Some Noise" project from Amnesty International. The effort combines the influence, power, and depth of the music of John Lennon performed by some of today's top musical stars along with 'instant activism' made possible through the internet and mobile technology.

Over 50 musical artists, including U2, Jack Johnson, Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz, Green Day, Ben Harper, and Aerosmith, are among the many who have joined the effort. The CD, also entitled "Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur" is scheduled to be released by Warner Brothers June 12th (Yes, I've pre-ordered mine).

The project owes many thanks to Yoko Ono, who donated Lennon's entire solo songbook to AI to be used to as the focal point of the project to connect and hopefully inspire a new generation of activists. Proceeds derived from the entire campaign will go directly to support Amnesty International's urgent work on Darfur and other human rights crises worldwide.

"Eyes on Darfur Project"

AI has also launched the "Eyes on Darfur Project" which involves the use of high-definition commercial satellite images of Darfur to assist in protecting twelve susceptible villages on the frontlines of the conflict. The unprecedented idea is to invite people from all around the planet to log on to their computers and "keep an eye" (www.eyesondarfur.com) on the continuing events in Darfur. President al-Bashir will be continuously aware that these areas are under constant humanitarian surveillance, thus serving as a possible early warning tool or even undeniable proof of the atrocities to international courts in the future.

What You Can Do

1.Sign the petition. (Found at www.instantkarma.org/takeaction.html ) Add your name to the growing list of humanitarians urging the powers that be to act.

2.Purchase the CD. Funds generated by the sale of "Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur" will assist Amnesty in their ongoing fight to bring peace back to a horrible and tragic existence for many. (Not to mention, great music by great artists. I have sampled much of the album and I am extremely excited for its release.)

3. Join Amnesty International. For a small donation ($50 and up gets you a free copy of the CD) you can join over 2.2 million members of AI and help lead the fight for peace in Darfur. Join here.

4. Participate in the "Eyes on Darfur Project".Click here for more information.

5. Take Action. From urging elected officials to fund peacekeepers, to pressing China to support human rights in Darfur, to calling on Chad to protect fleeing citizens, there are many ways to involve yourself in the humanitarian efforts.

One way of course, one which I have embraced...is to educate. Share this information with others. Perhaps, one small step at a time, a difference can be made. At the very least, you'll know you did your part to stop the devastating pain and suffering that has become everyday life in Darfur, Sudan.