Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold On the National Call for Action in Darfur April 28, 2006 I join the thousands of people demonstrating in our nation's capital and around the country this weekend calling for intervention to bring an end to the horrific genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Over two million people have been driven away from their homes and remain displaced, many in camps that offer little refuge from routine and targeted violence. Systematic gender-based violence against women and girls continues unabated and basic safety and security continue to be denied to Darfurians. Humanitarian organizations trying to work in the region face increasing difficulties in fulfilling their mission, and safe areas have diminished to unprecedented levels. The situation, in short, remains disastrous and the lives and well-being of millions hang in the balance. Having visited Sudanese refugees in Africa, and having been an advocate for strong international intervention in Darfur for years, I believe the international community must act quickly to stop this needless suffering. We must take practical and aggressive steps to stop the violence in Darfur, as well as to alleviate the suffering of displaced and affected persons in the region. We cannot sit idly by as this tragedy continues to get worse. Through both more aggressive policies and the commitment of resources, the United States, in partnership with the international community and others, can help bring an end to genocide in Sudan.

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