Over the next few months Senators McCain and Obama have the opportunity to develop and present a plan for action against genocide in Darfur. A plan like this is essential, as it will be the job of the next President of the United States to quickly respond to the genocide with real, concrete actions.
In a story that gets little media attention, the peace process in the Central African Republic appears to be in disarray. President Francois Bozize, who came to power in a 2003 coup, and two major rebel groups agreed to peace in June, but recent talks to finalize the agreement resulted in rebel groups and opposition parties walking out. The peace agreement was hailed as having the capability to end the seemingly endless conflict in CAR, yet now it looks like it is just another failed attempt to restore order.
Check out the STAND Summer Survey! Just take a few minutes to fill it out, and your voice could help shape the movement for the next year. You could even win a prize just for filling it out.
I thumb my way through the dry, holier-than-thou-government-language, thirty-five page document entitled “The Massachusetts Guide to Choosing and Using Curricular Materials on Genocide and Human Rights Issues” as I stand outside of State Senator Augustus’ office, nervously waiting for the wall clock to strike 10:30, or at least 10:20.
This week, the Congolese national army, FARDC, announced a new initiative to crack down on rape and other human rights abuses committed by its troops. In a related development, MONUC, the United Nations peacekeeping force in DRC, announced the completion of training for two more FARDC battalions, part of a program aimed at supporting the creation of a more professional army.
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m a born and raised native Texan and I have spent all my life in Texas (unless the 2 and a half months I just spent in DC count). Being an activist in Texas often seems lonely and from what I’ve been told of the rest of the Southwest region, this sentiment is echoed by many others. As the Southwest Regional Outreach Coordinator for colleges I want to let everyone who has ever felt isolated or as if they are the only ones who seem to care, you are definitely not alone.
STAND will be hosting its 2008 National Student Conference November 7-9 in Washington, DC! Join student activists from across the country as we come together to learn from policy experts and each other about how to be more effective advocates to end the ongoing atrocities in Sudan and ensure that we "STAND Out Loud" against genocide in our world.
Put your dedication to ending the conflict in Darfur and your flare for multimedia together by entering to win the Citizens for Global Solutions Multimedia Contest 2008!
