This Wednesday, the Sudan Tribune reported that the Government of Sudan (GoS) “wil begin closing down the camps for the displaced populations in the war torn region of Darfur next year.” The Government would essentially shut down the camps and forcibly relocate the displaced Darfuris to their home villages or to other new “housing complexes”.
Back at school in Cambridge, MA and writing from Lowell House D-hall. I finally found a second to catch my breath and reflect on what was truly a life changing weekend.
I have been to A LOT of of STAND conferences – no surprise since I first got involved in STAND in 2006, way back when I was a junior at Northwestern University in Chicago. Back then, STAND was a start-up run by students who were on fire about ending genocide, but who often didn’t have the resources we needed to coordinate large-scale national events. Sitting here today, just three years later, it’s crazy and inspiring to think about the differences.
The Pledge 2 Protect conference is just around the corner, and 1,000 people are traveling from near and far to participate.
Haven’t made your housing plans yet? Don’t worry! The Hyatt Regency Washington at Capitol Hill has extended our discount until Friday, October 30 at 11:59pm.
A weekly update of the most important updates on the ground in our conflicts of concern. This week: potential peace talks for Darfur in Uganda, child labor in Burma, "catastrophic" interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and more….
Sri Lanka’s government claimed victory over the LTTE in March, ending the civil war that had ravaged the country for twenty-five years.
In addition to losing their husbands, children, parents and neighbors, many women, especially in Eastern Congo, have lost their dignity through rape. The UN estimates that 200,000 women and gals have been victims of sexual violence since 1998. And in 2008 alone, 16,000 cases were reported. Unfortunately, the perpetrators are not only the rebels and hooligans, but also the very government forces supposed to protect the civilians.
Still haven’t paid your Pledge2Protect registration fee? You now have until 11:59 on Thursday, October 8th for the early bird discount — $99 for students, $125 for adults. Space is filling up fast, so register now here!
Remember, your registration is not confirmed (and your spot is not guaranteed) until you register and pay your registration fee.
