April 27, 2007

CONGRESSMAN GREGORY W. MEEKS
RECOGNIZES GLOBAL DAYS FOR DARFUR
-- CALLS FOR AN END TO THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR

(WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) demanded today that the United States and international community take decisive action to end the atrocities in Darfur. The Sixth Congressional District congressman issued his call as the week-long Global Days for Darfur, sponsored by the Save Darfur Coalition, begins.

In April, I took part in a three day congressional delegation tour of Sudan. We witnessed firsthand the humanitarian crisis plaguing Darfur, Meeks stated. The dedication of non-government organizations and humanitarian operations is nothing short of amazing. They are putting their lives on the line in an attempt to save the people of Darfur. I commend them for their efforts and their selflessness.

Meeks noted that People have been killed, threatened and displaced. Many are afraid for the safety of their families and have moved to displacement camps. He added that concerns about even greater violence are increasing as camps become overcrowded and guns are readily available. There was even real concern for the safety of our delegation while we were visiting the camps.

Since this crisis began, 400,000 people have lost their lives. Recently the United Nations reported a surge in civilian killings and large-scale attacks in Darfur. Rape and torture remain rampant.

Meeks, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, African Union peace keeping troops lack resources and manpower. Equipped only with light weapons, they are no match for the heavily armed rebels. They are under-manned and out-gunned and in desperate need of reinforcements.

Last week, the Sudanese government announced it would allow over 3,000 United Nations and African peacekeepers into Darfur to assist the overwhelmed African Union forces currently serving in the region. This is not good enough- Darfur, which is as large as Texas requires at least an additional 17,000 troops to effectively stabilize the region, Meeks noted. Meeks believes that the world must hold the Sudanese government accountable for the genocide. He said that only continued pressure would compel the Sudanese government to allow a peacekeeping force capable of protecting the people of Darfur to enter the country.

This week, as we recognize the destruction occurring in Darfur, I would like to reiterate my absolute support and commitment to gaining peace and security for the people of Darfur. I hope that my colleagues in Congress, the President and the international community will join me in urging the Sudanese government to take decisive action and do whatever it takes to end this tragedy.

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