Edwards Demands Action to Stop the Humanitarian Crises in Darfur and Uganda

[JohnLocke]

Edwards Demands Action to Stop the Humanitarian Crises in Darfur and Uganda
John Edwards for President
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
----
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – At The Ed Schultz Show National Town Hall Meeting at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill today, Senator John Edwards called for the United States to take immediate action to aid two humanitarian crises in Africa. Edwards will also speak about the need for America to show moral leadership and address the crises in Darfur and Uganda during his remarks tonight at the National Jewish Democratic Council.

"We need to end the suffering in Darfur and Uganda," said Edwards. "Too many families have lost their homes, too many women and girls have been raped, too many children have been tortured and too many lives have been lost. We are at critical moments in Darfur and Uganda. The United States needs to take urgent, decisive action now to end the suffering and bring peace to the region."

"As the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, there comes a time for all of us when silence is betrayal -- not just betrayal of your own personal convictions, not just betrayal of your country, but a betrayal of responsibility to each other, to our brothers and sisters, not just in America, but all across the globe," said Edwards. "Millions of Americans from college students to faith leaders, all across the political spectrum, have raised their voices and taken action. Now it is time for America's leadership to break its silence and return our country to its rightful place as a moral leader of the world."

Conflict that began in Darfur in 2003 turned into genocide. The deployment of 3,000 U.N. peacekeeping troops, a critical link to ending the genocide, has been delayed. Violence and chaos are spreading to neighboring Chad and the Central African Republic.

To end the humanitarian crises, Edwards called for a combination of U.S. and NATO actions to accelerate the peacekeeping process. Edwards' comprehensive plan includes the following steps:
*President Bush should reverse his decision to delay new American sanctions on 29 companies owned or controlled by the Sudanese government.
*American airlift capabilities, logistical support and intelligence operations should be deployed to assist U.N. and African Union peacekeeping efforts in Darfur.
*The U.S. should convene within the next 30 days an emergency meeting of NATO's leadership to act on Darfur.
*NATO countries should support the deployment of U.N. troops with logistical, operational, and financial support.
*NATO should establish a no-fly zone over the region, to cut off supplies to the brutal Janjaweed militias and end Sudanese bombing of civilians in Darfur.
*NATO member countries should impose new multilateral sanctions on the Sudanese government as well as individuals complicit in the genocide.

"With these steps, I believe we can turn the corner in Sudan and put the nation back on the road to peace," said Edwards.

In Uganda, which has long been plagued by a civil war, peace talks have recently resumed between the government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army. Last fall, Edwards visited Uganda, traveled to internally displaced persons' camps in the north, and met with President Musuveni to discuss the government's needs. He called on President Bush to take three immediate steps that will help ensure the success of the talks. Edwards said the President should:

Make a clear, unambiguous public statement of support for the Juba Peace Talks and for Special Envoy Chissano's efforts.
Dispatch a high-level presidential envoy to work with the leadership of Special Envoy Joachim Chissano.
Commit sufficient funds to support the U.N. Juba Initiative Fund.
"The resumption of peace talks should offer hope to the millions who have been directly affected by the long and deadly conflict in Northern Uganda," said Edwards. "With these steps, the United States can significantly increase the chances for success."

http://johnedwards.com/news/press-releases/20070423-darfur/


JOHN EDWARDS' PLAN FOR ACTION IN DARFUR AND UGANDA

"There comes a time when we must say, 'Never again.'" -- John Edwards

Today, two neighboring nations in Africa, Sudan and Uganda, face a pivotal moment right now. The two countries contain the most critical humanitarian crises in the world. John Edwards has outlined steps the United States can take with its NATO allies to help end the genocide in Darfur and to support the peace process in Uganda. With these steps, we can turn the corner in both countries, put the region back on the road to peace and help restore America's moral leadership in the world.

The Genocide in Darfur
Conflict in Darfur, which is in Western Sudan, broke out in 2003 when small farmers took up arms to fight for a greater share of resources. The conflict turned into genocide when the Sudanese government backed the Janjaweed militia, which has brutally raped, tortured and killed 400,000 people and driven two and a half million people from their homes. In addition, the violence and chaos is spreading to neighboring Chad and the Central African Republic.

African Union peacekeeping troops stationed in Darfur have been valiant in a difficult cause. But these troops, which number just 7,000, have been unable to protect civilians or enforce a 2004 ceasefire. In the meantime, security has deteriorated dramatically.

Last November, President Bashir of Sudan finally agreed to allow U.N. peacekeeping troops in the country, which would be deployed in two phases. The first phase was about 200 advisors, who are now in the country. The second was 3,000 peacekeeping forces, who would work with the African Union troops. The 3,000 U.N. troops are the critical link in the chain, and the UN is not moving quickly enough to provide them.

A Comprehensive Plan for U.S. and NATO Action to End the Genocide in Darfur
John Edwards believe we should work with NATO, one of the world's most effective security organizations, to make sure the UN process will be as rapid, tough, and effective as possible. We saw the success of NATO in the Kosovo operation under President Clinton. Its member countries have some of the most accomplished militaries in the world. Edwards called for a combination of U.S. and NATO actions to accelerate the peacekeeping process and the genocide.

*President Bush should reverse his decision to delay new American sanctions on 29 companies owned or controlled by the Sudanese government.
*American airlift capabilities, logistical support and intelligence operations should be deployed to assist U.N. and African Union peacekeeping efforts in Darfur.
*The U.S. should convene within the next 30 days an emergency meeting of NATO's leadership to act on Darfur.
*NATO countries should support the deployment of U.N. troops with logistical, operational, and financial support.
*NATO should establish a no-fly zone over the region, to cut off supplies to the brutal Janjaweed militias and end Sudanese bombing of civilians in Darfur.
*NATO member countries should impose new multilateral sanctions on the Sudanese government as well as individuals complicit in the genocide.

The Civil War in Uganda
Uganda is home to one of the greatest unreported humanitarian crises in the world. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes and subjected to horrific violence. And with the exception of groups like the International Rescue Committee, an organization Edwards traveled with in 2006, most of the world is ignoring this tragedy.

Uganda has been plagued by a long civil war and a rebel army terrorist group called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Among other things, the LRA abducts children, turns them into soldiers, forces them to commit atrocities, and in some cases, turns them into sex slaves. However, there are signs of progress.

Recently the Ugandan government and the LRA resumed peace talks. The talks are an unprecedented opportunity to end the 21-year war and offer hope to the millions who have been directly affected by the long and deadly conflict in Northern Uganda. The commitment of both sides to return to the meeting table, with the support of Joachim Chissano, the U.N Secretary-General's Special Envoy in Juba, in southern Sudan, is encouraging.

Steps to Support the Peace Process in Uganda
John Edwards believes the United States has both the capacity and the responsibility to support the peace process in Uganda and help end decades of violence that have led to the suffering of millions. Edwards called on President Bush to take the following steps provide clear support for the Juba peace talks:

Make a clear, unambiguous public statement of support for the Juba Peace Talks and for Special Envoy Chissano's efforts.
Dispatch a high-level presidential envoy to work with the leadership of Special Envoy Chissano.
Commit sufficient funds to support the U.N. Juba Initiative Fund.

[Tejanocrat]

1. I have heard less about the situation in Africa from other candidates. I'd welcome supporters of

other candidates posting what their candidates have to say about the crisis in Africa.

[Clarkie1]

2. Obama gets an A+ from darfurscores.org

Extra Credit
Sen. Obama received extra credit for co-sponsoring the Menendez Amendment for UN peacekeeping in Darfur.

Contact Barack Obama
Barack Obama has received an “A+” for supporting and voting in favor of all significant Darfur legislation. This member of Congress is a champion of the cause and has taken crucial action to end the genocide in Darfur.

Thank Barack Obama for helping to protect civilians and save lives. Remind the senator, however, that the genocide continues and we still need strong support to end the atrocities in Darfur. We need Barack Obama to keep talking and writing about Darfur, ensuring that it remains a key issue for Congress.

Office Phone: [phone]
Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-GENOCIDE (1-800-436-6243)

Capitol Office: 713 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

http://www.darfurscores.org/barack-obama

This actually from before Obama even announced....

Washington Post
Policy Adrift on Darfur
By Barack Obama and Sam Brownback
Tuesday, December 27, 2005

<snip>

It is essential that the Bush administration shift its approach to confront the new and mounting challenges. Only the United States, working in concert with key nations, has the leverage and resources to persuade Khartoum to change its ways:

First, the administration must help transform the African Union protection force into a sizable, effective multinational force.

In the near term, Washington must pressure Khartoum to allow more advisers from Western nations to embed within the African Union's mission so they support intelligence, logistics and communications. It must work with other nations to provide military assets to African Union forces, such as attack helicopters and armored personnel carriers, so they can respond immediately to attacks. And it must urge the African Union to be more aggressive in protecting civilians. More important, Washington must immediately spearhead efforts to create a larger multinational force. The African Union has begun discussions with the United Nations about folding itself into a follow-on U.N. mission, but because of the West's reluctance to offend African sensibilities, all parties seem resigned to muddling along. It has become clear that a U.N.- or NATO-led force is required, and the administration must use diplomacy to override Chinese and Sudanese opposition to such a force and persuade outside troops to join it.

Second, the administration must keep up the pressure on the rebels to unite their negotiating positions, and it must enlist Sudan's allies to increase the pressure on Khartoum to share power and resources.

Third, the United States and other nations must place additional pressure on key nations -- Chad, Eritrea and Libya -- to stop playing a destructive role in the conflict.

Fourth, the administration needs to place its weight behind the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, which would impose targeted sanctions on the leading perpetrators of the genocide.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/26/AR2005122600547.html

[Tejanocrat]

3. Thanks

[Clarkie1]

4. I just added a little bit more info...from darfurscores.org. nt

[Clarkie1]

5. K & R. nt

[Tejanocrat]

7. Cool website. I'm surprised Brownback and Tancredo both got A+. HRC got an A+ too. Biden too.

and Dodd got an A:

http://www.darfurscores.org/sam-brownback
http://www.darfurscores.org/thomas-tancredo
http://darfurscores.org/hillary-clinton
http://darfurscores.org/joseph-biden
http://darfurscores.org/christopher-dodd

I wish they had rated Edwards, Richardson, Clark, etc.

Thanks again!

[Clarkie1]

9. Byrd got a D....disappointing. Of course, he's not running. nt

http://www.darfurscore.org/robert-byrd

[Clarkie1]

6. Clark has been calling for a U.N. force since 2005.

Commentary
Wesley Clark: NATO Forces Needed in Darfur

Morning Edition, August 22, 2005 · Former NATO commander Wesley Clark argues the case for sending NATO troops into Darfur to protect civilians and humanitarian operations. Clark is currently a board member of the International Crisis Group.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4809638

By Gen. (ret.) Wesley Clark
NPR "Morning Edition"
August 22, 2005
The transcript is available below:

After a series of UN Security Council resolutions on Darfur and a donors conference to boost the African Union Mission there, you could be forgiven for thinking the international community has responded adequately to the crisis. Sadly, this is far from the case. The international community urgently needs to take bold new action.

The truth is, civilians are still targeted in Darfur. The pro-government Janjaweed militias still remain unchecked. Humanitarian access is still restricted along key transit routes and in areas where millions of displaced Sudanese have gathered. Women and girls are still being raped as they leave their camps to collect firewood and forage for food. It's a tragedy.

The African Union's priority must be to protect civilians. It must be able to take all necessary measures -- including offensive action -- against any attacks or threats against civilians and humanitarian operations.

But the AU Mission's force numbers and mandate are simply not sufficient to cope with the reality on the ground in Darfur. The AU current plan is to deploy 7,700 troops next month, and possibly 12,000 troops next year. But this is far too slow. A minimum of 12,000 troops are needed on the ground right now, not six months from now.

The African Union should deploy a battalion task force of around 1,000 troops to each of Darfur's eight sectors and maintain another battalion task force in reserve. Each sector would then have close to 1,000 troops, twice as many civilian police, and 1,000 headquarters and other support staff.

Even if the African Union can overcome the political obstacles to strengthening its mandate in Darfur -- and that's a very big "if" -- it's in no position to get such large numbers of troops on the ground in such a short time. Despite the European Union and NATO assistance, the African Union mission looks set to fall short of its target of 7,700 troops by September.

The UN Security Council, in consultation with the AU, should request and authorize NATO to deploy a multinational "bridging force" to bring the combined force level in Darfur immediately up to 12,000 to 15,000 troops while the African Union prepares and deploys its own forces.

This is not an easy recommendation to make for Darfur, where all multinational organizations have been at pains to keep non-African troops out of Sudan. But the notion that the atrocities in Darfur are solely African problems requiring exclusively African solutions has to be reconsidered. These ongoing offenses are crimes against all humanity. They demand an international response that gives human life priority over diplomatic sensitivities.

Working together, NATO and the AU can save the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians. They can demonstrate to outlaw regimes like the government of Sudan that the international community will not tolerate crimes against humanity.

And we must do this now.

http://securingamerica.com/articles/npr/2005-08-22

[Clarkie1]

8. Senator Clinton gets an A+ on Darfur.

Extra Credit
On June 22, 2006, Sen. Clinton sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorizations Act (S. 2766).

Additional Information
In response to the release of the Darfur scorecard, Sen. Clinton said: “We have a moral duty and a responsibility under international law to stand up for the safety of the millions of civilians in Darfur who remain vulnerable to attack. Action by the United States, in concert with the international community, is long overdue. We need to respond quickly to the African Union's request for UN peacekeepers in Darfur, and we need to provide those peacekeepers with a strong mandate and the resources required to protect civilians. The United States should apply all points of pressure to ensure that the Government of Sudan accepts a robust UN mission, ceases attacks against civilians, and neutralizes the Janjaweed. We should hold all parties accountable to their commitments under the Darfur Peace Agreement, and we should immediately strengthen the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). I again urge the President to support these measures, to appoint a Presidential Envoy to Sudan, and to address the related situations of concern in eastern Chad and the Central African Republic.

http://www.darfurscores.org/hillary-clinton

[Clarkie1]

10. "John Edwards Exploits Darfur Genocide to Expand Database" (an alternative viewpoint).

11/29/2006

John Edwards Exploits Darfur Genocide To Expand Database

Filed under General, Election 2008, Democrats, Activism by jclifford at 9:41 am
At first, the email message from former Senator John Edwards appeared to be a genuine plea to help people in need. Aw, shucks, I thought, that John Edwards sure is a nice guy. At the One America Committee web site that the email linked to, Edwards called upon visitors to:

“Urge President Bush to lead the effort to create a NATO force to stop the genocide in Darfur now. NATO forces — if the U.S. stepped up to moral leadership — could end the conflict immediately. America must also lead the way in getting NATO to establish a no-fly zone over the region to cut off supplies to the brutal Janjaweed militias.”

Then, right below that text, I saw what John Edwards was really asking people to do: Give him their names, email addresses and zip codes. And what would that information be used for? Why, the One America Committee, the campaign committee that John Edwards plans to use to launch a presidential campaign in 2008, would take that information, and then use commercial data mining services to find out more information about the people, and combine that information to create a personal profile that could then be used to contact people about the activities of the One America Committee: Namely, the effort to elect John Edwards President in 2008.

Don’t believe me? It’s all right there in the One America Committee privacy policy.

“We may obtain information about you from outside sources and add it to or combine it with the information we collect through this site.”

“We will use your email address to provide you news and information about the One America Committee. We may also use your zip code and state to send you email messages about upcoming events or activities in your area.”

John Edwards sent that email in order to exploit the tragedy of the Darfur for his own political purposes. That’s low.

Oh, sure, John Edwards’ supporters may say that Mr. Edwards would never do such a thing, and that he is motivated purely by his compassion and concern. If that were true, then the One America Committee would have contributed to an independent effort already taking place, with no ties to any political campaign for public office. John Edwards would have provided a link to the Amnesty International letter writing campaign about Darfur, for instance. Or, Edwards could have directed visitors to the Human Rights Watch action page on Darfur.

John Edwards didn’t do that. The only activism that he encouraged was the kind that he could control, and the kind that would enlarge his presidential campaign database.

http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/archives/2006/11/29/edwards-darfur-low/

I have mixed feelings about this. One one hand, ALL efforts at ending the genocide are ABSOLUTELY worthwhile. On the other hand, I do think it's a valid point that efforts could be more effective by combining forces, and unfortunately Edwards and other politicians often to chose to run their issue campaigns in isolation for their own benefit instead of collaborating together.

[JohnLocke]

11. What bilge.

Some six-month-old anonymous blog post attacking John Edwards for supporting a stop to genocide? Talk about the dark corners of the Internet...

[Clarkie1]

13. 5 seconds on Google.

Type in "John Edwards Darfur." It's the 4th link down the list.

Edwards is certainly not the only political candidate to engage in an issues campaign for self-promoting purposes than do not best serve the larger cause, so don't feel like I'm singling him out. I just think it raises an interesting issue and if food for thought.

[Jim Sagle]

12. Hogwash!

[Clarkie1]

14. You don't think the blogger has any valid point at all?

What about the argument for partnering with larger umbrella groups?

[Jim Sagle]

15. Nothing necessarily wrong with that.

But there's a LOT wrong with taking such an implausibly cynical view of Edwards' motives. After all, this IS a Democratic site.

[Clarkie1]

16. I don't doubt Edwards and all other Democrats running care about Darfur. nt

[JNelson6563]

17. No but with any luck

you've planted seeds of doubt about Edwards by posting that blog that does.

Almost clever of you if not for the transparency. I give it a 2 out of 10.

Julie

[WildEyedLiberal]

18. Depressing, isn't it?

I don't have a dog in the 08 race yet - my dog isn't running and I've yet to commit myself to an active candidate. But I'll be damned if I piss on ANY Dem willing to speak out for action in Darfur. Quite frankly, it's an issue that needs as much attention as it can get.

I'm almost glad my favorite guy isn't running because this is the kind of shit that happens to every candidate - they could cure cancer and be accused of doing it just for the votes. :puke:

[Tejanocrat]

20. Yet another nice substantive discussion about an important issue contaminated by troll propoganda...

[wyldwolf]

19. That's great!

Everyone needs to join the DLC, Wes Clark, and Bill Richardson on this.

[JohnLocke]

21. Kick (nt).