SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION TO END GENOCIDE IN SUDAN UP TO ONE MILLION PEOPLE AT RISK OF DEATH

June 29, 2004
Press Release

JUNE 29, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION
TO END GENOCIDE IN SUDAN

UP TO ONE MILLION PEOPLE AT RISK OF DEATH

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today called on the Bush Administration to take immediate action to halt the genocide in Darfur, Sudan that could claim the lives of up to one million people. In a letter to Secretary Powell,

Schakowsky, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) and Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), the top Democrat on the Africa Subcommittee wrote, "We believe that the United States should immediately and aggressively push for a resolution at the United Nations Security Council." Otherwise, they continued, "The humanitarian crisis in Darfur will deteriorate and more people will die as a result of international inaction." Below is the text of the letter to Secretary Powell:

June 27, 2004
The Honorable Colin L. Powell
Secretary of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Powell:
We are pleased that you are planning to travel to Sudan next week to assess the humanitarian situation in Darfur. We believe your visit to Darfur will help to focus necessary and warranted international attention on that humanitarian emergency.
Mr. Secretary, we must do more to save lives in Darfur. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur continues to deteriorate and more people will die as a result of international inaction. The international community failed the people of Rwanda in 1994 and we should not allow another Rwanda to happen on our watch.
The United States Government and the International Community have the ability and duty to do the right thing in Darfur. We believe that the United States should immediately and aggressively push for a resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would include the following provisions:
That the Sudanese Government:
(1) allow humanitarian aid and aid workers unfettered access to the civilian population in Darfur;
(2) immediately disarm the Janjaweed militia members who are brutalizing innocent civilians; and
(3) facilitate the return of displaced Darfurians to their homes;
The Security Council should also establish a special court or tribunal to prosecute war crimes in Darfur. Moreover, the Council should impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Council should also authorize a peacekeeping force to facilitate the work of aid workers and protect civilians in Darfur.
Mr. Secretary, we are convinced like many respected human rights organizations that the unfolding tragedy in Darfur is genocide. We strongly urge the Administration, without further delay, to declare its decision on this matter. We want to again convey to you our deep appreciation for your recognition of the dire situation in Sudan. We believe your trip is extremely important and we stand ready to work with you to put an end to this crisis.
We look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Donald M. Payne Elijah E. Cummings Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress