Daily Darfur: Aid Groups Not Giving Up

by Michelle . · 2009-04-15 04:06:00 UTC
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A rather quick one, today:

1.

Oxfam GB submitted a formal appeal to the Humanitarian Affairs Commission in Khartoum today over its expulsion from Darfur last month. The aid agency claims that it played no part in the investigations of the International Criminal Court --- as it has been accused --- and expressed concern over the deterioration in conditions in Darfur since its departure:

"We have already been told that water pumps in some Darfur camps have stopped pumping, and there are growing fears about the potential for outbreaks of disease in the coming rainy season," said Penny Lawrence, Oxfam GB's International Programmes Director.

2.

Jody Williams, chair of the Nobel Women's Initiative, called on the international community to resolve the crisis in Sudan and include women in the peace process:

"We were heartened by the Qatar process, and the efforts of Arab leaders to advance progress on peace talks between the government of Sudan and the main rebel group. However, these peace talks are now disintegrating, and (President) Bashir is not being held accountable for the further suffering of the Sudanese people."

"What Sudan needs now are real brokers for peace, instead of support for leadership that is wreaking yet more havoc in the region," she said

3.

Amnesty International is questioning the execution of nine Darfuri men earlier this week, after the men were convicted of beheading the editor of a newspaper.

"They were arbitrarily arrested, tortured and then subjected to an unfair trial," said the body's deputy Africa director Tawanda Hondora.

The executions sparked a riot in Khartoum, with some 5,000 people turning out despite heavy policy presence. According to Reuters:

"Some in the crowd chanted slogans in support of the Sudan Liberation Movement, a Darfur rebel group which has been fighting the government in the western region of Darfur.

Local radio, citing witnesses and security sources, reported that relatives of the executed men had clashed with police in two places.

Witnesses said a small number of demonstrators destroyed and damaged shops and cars on the way to the funerals."

Michelle . has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns.
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