This summer AJWS is intensifying our work to bring an end to the genocide in Darfur. Recognizing that humanitarian aid is crucial but will not stop the genocide, AJWS is engaged in an intense advocacy campaign to halt the crisis.
Today, as the Olympics approach, the world spotlight is on China, whose economic and political support for Sudan continues to underwrite the violence in Darfur. AJWS, along with the entire anti-genocide movement, is using this window of opportunity to raise awareness about the links between China and the government of Sudan, and to increase the pressure on those who have a role to play in ending the violence, including the U.S. government, U.N. Security Council members and mutual funds, as well as corporate sponsors of the Olympics such as NBC and Coca-Cola.
Did You Know?
As both a leading news provider and broadcaster of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, NBC has an obligation to report on China's relationship to the government of Sudan and the ongoing violence in Darfur.
Learn more
Take Action: Urge the president of NBC News to devote time to the China-Sudan story and the crisis in Darfur
Actions You Can Take Now for Darfur
China is the largest supplier of small arms to Sudan and also its biggest trading partner. Because of its interests in Sudan, China has acted as Sudan's protector and allowed the atrocities in Darfur to continue. As the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing approach, we have a unique opportunity to pressure China to use its influence to help the people of Darfur.
Learn more about China's relationship to Sudan
Take Action: Urge China to use its influence to end the violence in Darfur
Divest Yourself
AJWS is part of a national campaign encouraging mutual fund companies to make investments genocide-free. You can help by examining your personal investments, urging major financial institutions to divest from problematic companies or, if you have investments with Fidelity, by voting with your proxy ballot at the upcoming May 14 shareholder meeting.
Learn more about divesting
Take Action: Send a message to mutual fund companies today
Ask President Bush to Help Ensure UNAMID is Fully Funded and Equipped
After five years of violence, displacement, and destruction, an international peacekeeping force has finally come to Darfur. Urge the President to ensure it has the necessary troop contributions and equipment to successfully carry out its mission.
Take Action: Tell President Bush to ensure effective peacekeeping in Darfur
Background on the Crisis
Since 2003, the government of Sudan and their proxy militia, the Janjaweed, have been conducting a counter-insurgency operation against rebel groups in Darfur. Their primary strategy is a scorched earth campaign targeting communities that share the same ethnicity as the rebels. Government forces and Janjaweed continue to terrorize and kill civilians, rape women and girls, burn villages, and drive innocent people from their homes. More than two million people have been displaced and at least 450,000 have lost their lives to this genocidal campaign.
Since 2004, AJWS has been providing humanitarian aid while simultaneously engaging in U.S.-based education and advocacy to end the crisis.
