STOP THE GENOCIDE
A CALL FOR HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION IN SUDAN
1,000 dying each day in Sudan
SIGN UP FOR RALLY AT www.darfurgenocide.org
WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004, NOON-1:30 PM
WHERE: LAFAYETTE PARK (ACROSS THE STREET
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE)
WHY AND WHAT:
In Sudan, over one million black Africans have been bombed and burnt out of their villages by government planes and Arab militias allied with the country’s oppressive regime. The death toll could reach 1 million within the next few months. As members of the human family, we can’t let this horror continue as it did in Rwanda 10 years ago. Only one thing will stop the killing in Sudan: an immediate international intervention to protect the people of Sudan and to provide them with critical aid. All people of conscience must rally now to stop the genocide. The rally will include a “die-in,” -- participants will pretend to be dead for a short period of time to provide a powerful, visual reminder of the injustice that is being protested.
CONTACT US: Sign up for the demonstration at www.darfurgenocide.org
For more information, contact Ricken Patel, Res Publica, at 646-229-5416
SPONSORS: New Bethel Baptist Church, National Council of Churches, Res Publica, Sojourners, Pax Christi USA TrueMajority.org, and many other groups
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE SUDAN RALLY IN LAFAYETTE PARK
When and where will the demonstration take place?
The rally will take place at Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 22, 2004 from noon to 1:30pm. Lafayette Park is the park across the street from The White House.
Why is the rally being held?
In the Darfur province of Sudan, over one million black Africans have been bombed, burnt out of their villages and chased into the desert by government planes and Arab militias allied with the country’s oppressive regime. Their camps are now surrounded; anyone who tries to leave is raped or killed. According to the US government's “conservative” estimate, 370,000 human beings are already dead or certain of dying of starvation in these extermination camps. The death toll could reach 1 million within the next few months. As a result of a U.S. supported cease-fire in Southern Sudan, the Khartoum government has recently suspended slave raiding there. But it has revived the practice against the black African tribes of Darfur in western Sudan. As members of the human family, we can’t let this horror continue as it did in Rwanda 10 years ago.
The world has tough words for Sudan but threats to act are mild, suggesting only sanctions on the militia leaders, and perhaps later the government. The Sudanese are used to sanctions, and even the toughest sanctions take months to have any impact. We don't have that kind of time. Only one thing will stop the killing in Sudan: an immediate international intervention to protect the people of Darfur and provide them with critical aid. For more information, visit http://www.darfurgenocide.org
Part of the rally will include a “die-in” because this will help bring greater media attention to this crisis. A "die-in" is a non-violent form of protest. Participants pretend to be dead for a short period of time to provide a powerful, visual reminder of the injustice that is being protested. At the rally, there will be a brief program of speakers and music and then each person will lie down on his or her blanket or towel (or simply on the ground) for about fifteen minutes. "Die-ins" tend to attract media attention because their visual impact makes for good photos and TV coverage. For more information on “die-ins, visit http://www.darfurgenocide.org
Will anyone be arrested by virtue of their participation in this rally?
No. We have a permit for the demonstration and clearance from all relevant authorities for our activities. We do not plan to engage in civil disobedience as a part of the demonstration.
How should I get to the demonstration?
We strongly urge you to take Metro rail. There will be no parking near Lafayette Park. The closest Metro stops are Farragut West and McPherson Square. It is a short walk to Lafayette Park from there. Also, please note that it will save time if you buy a round-trip ticket at the station where you board the train.
What should I bring to the demonstration?
You should bring a towel or blanket, a bottle of water and a sign if you wish (large signs may not be permitted in the Metro train). Note that it is better to bring a towel or blanket than a sleeping bag – a sleeping bag may trigger a Metro rail security check and slow you down.
How can my congregation help?
We would like delegations from congregations to attend the rally. Please do what you can to ensure that these materials are widely distributed to congregations in the DC area. We also need volunteers from congregations to phone bank their congregations before the rally. Call Mrs. Junetta Banks at 202-583-1997 for more information on phone banking. Finally, if possible, please plan to bring a sign or banner to the rally that identifies your congregation. Remember, however, that large signs may not be permitted in the Metro train.
How can I ensure that my organization is referenced at the rally as a “sponsoring organization”?
Contact Mrs. Junetta Banks at 202-583-1997 to give her the name of your organization.
Who is organizing the demonstration?
The demonstration is being organized by a coalition of religious and human rights leaders, including political conservatives and progressives. Some of the leaders include Rev. Walter Fauntroy, Rev. Joe Madison, Rabbi Jack Moline, Rev. Bob Edgar and Rev. Mark Thompson. Sponsoring organizations include New Bethel Baptist Church, Res Publica, faithfulamerica.org, Sojourners, the National Council of Churches and the Sudan Campaign www.thesudancampaign.com.
What will we call on world leaders to do?
We will demand that world leaders declare the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan what they are – genocide.
We will demand an immediate massive increase in funding and logistics to meet the need for humanitarian aid in Darfur. We will call for an immediate, international intervention, with European and African participation to protect the people of Darfur and to guarantee the delivery of aid to them. We will call upon the United Nations Security Council to authorize this intervention, to impose targeted asset and travel sanctions on leaders in the Sudanese regime who are responsible for ethnic cleansing and genocide, and to begin an investigation leading to prosecution for those responsible in international courts.
Similar demands have already been made in bipartisan resolutions recently introduced in the United State Congress, but more political pressure is needed for the United States and the world to act. The demonstration will help to create such pressure.
How can I help to spread the word about the demonstration?
Please share these materials will everyone you know who might be interested via e-mail, posting within offices, houses of worship, etc. It is especially important to remind people to sign up for the demonstration on the website: www.darfurgenocide.org We need an accurate headcount to make the demonstration as successful as possible. We need your help!
What do I need to do to let demonstration organizers know I plan to attend?
As noted above, please sign up for the demonstration on the website: http://www.darfurgenocide.org Please sign up TODAY, but only if you plan to attend.
What will happen if it rains on the day of the demonstration?
We will proceed with the demonstration. Wear a raincoat and bring something plastic to lie down on rather than a blanket or a towel.
Is it okay for children to attend the demonstration?
Children may attend, but please be aware that the “die-in” is part of the rally’s activities. Please make sure that you bring a bottle of water for each person in your party, including each child.
Will there be any portable restrooms in Lafayette Park?
No. Park regulations prohibit portable restrooms in Lafayette Square.
Who may I contact for more information about the demonstration?
You may contact Ricken Patel of Res Publica at 646-229-5416.
PLEASE FORWARD THESE MATERIALS TO OTHERS WHO CARE!
A CALL FOR HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION IN SUDAN
1,000 dying each day in Sudan
SIGN UP FOR RALLY AT www.darfurgenocide.org
WHEN: THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004, NOON-1:30 PM
WHERE: LAFAYETTE PARK (ACROSS THE STREET
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE)
WHY AND WHAT:
In Sudan, over one million black Africans have been bombed and burnt out of their villages by government planes and Arab militias allied with the country’s oppressive regime. The death toll could reach 1 million within the next few months. As members of the human family, we can’t let this horror continue as it did in Rwanda 10 years ago. Only one thing will stop the killing in Sudan: an immediate international intervention to protect the people of Sudan and to provide them with critical aid. All people of conscience must rally now to stop the genocide. The rally will include a “die-in,” -- participants will pretend to be dead for a short period of time to provide a powerful, visual reminder of the injustice that is being protested.
CONTACT US: Sign up for the demonstration at www.darfurgenocide.org
For more information, contact Ricken Patel, Res Publica, at 646-229-5416
SPONSORS: New Bethel Baptist Church, National Council of Churches, Res Publica, Sojourners, Pax Christi USA TrueMajority.org, and many other groups
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE SUDAN RALLY IN LAFAYETTE PARK
When and where will the demonstration take place?
The rally will take place at Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, July 22, 2004 from noon to 1:30pm. Lafayette Park is the park across the street from The White House.
Why is the rally being held?
In the Darfur province of Sudan, over one million black Africans have been bombed, burnt out of their villages and chased into the desert by government planes and Arab militias allied with the country’s oppressive regime. Their camps are now surrounded; anyone who tries to leave is raped or killed. According to the US government's “conservative” estimate, 370,000 human beings are already dead or certain of dying of starvation in these extermination camps. The death toll could reach 1 million within the next few months. As a result of a U.S. supported cease-fire in Southern Sudan, the Khartoum government has recently suspended slave raiding there. But it has revived the practice against the black African tribes of Darfur in western Sudan. As members of the human family, we can’t let this horror continue as it did in Rwanda 10 years ago.
The world has tough words for Sudan but threats to act are mild, suggesting only sanctions on the militia leaders, and perhaps later the government. The Sudanese are used to sanctions, and even the toughest sanctions take months to have any impact. We don't have that kind of time. Only one thing will stop the killing in Sudan: an immediate international intervention to protect the people of Darfur and provide them with critical aid. For more information, visit http://www.darfurgenocide.org
Part of the rally will include a “die-in” because this will help bring greater media attention to this crisis. A "die-in" is a non-violent form of protest. Participants pretend to be dead for a short period of time to provide a powerful, visual reminder of the injustice that is being protested. At the rally, there will be a brief program of speakers and music and then each person will lie down on his or her blanket or towel (or simply on the ground) for about fifteen minutes. "Die-ins" tend to attract media attention because their visual impact makes for good photos and TV coverage. For more information on “die-ins, visit http://www.darfurgenocide.org
Will anyone be arrested by virtue of their participation in this rally?
No. We have a permit for the demonstration and clearance from all relevant authorities for our activities. We do not plan to engage in civil disobedience as a part of the demonstration.
How should I get to the demonstration?
We strongly urge you to take Metro rail. There will be no parking near Lafayette Park. The closest Metro stops are Farragut West and McPherson Square. It is a short walk to Lafayette Park from there. Also, please note that it will save time if you buy a round-trip ticket at the station where you board the train.
What should I bring to the demonstration?
You should bring a towel or blanket, a bottle of water and a sign if you wish (large signs may not be permitted in the Metro train). Note that it is better to bring a towel or blanket than a sleeping bag – a sleeping bag may trigger a Metro rail security check and slow you down.
How can my congregation help?
We would like delegations from congregations to attend the rally. Please do what you can to ensure that these materials are widely distributed to congregations in the DC area. We also need volunteers from congregations to phone bank their congregations before the rally. Call Mrs. Junetta Banks at 202-583-1997 for more information on phone banking. Finally, if possible, please plan to bring a sign or banner to the rally that identifies your congregation. Remember, however, that large signs may not be permitted in the Metro train.
How can I ensure that my organization is referenced at the rally as a “sponsoring organization”?
Contact Mrs. Junetta Banks at 202-583-1997 to give her the name of your organization.
Who is organizing the demonstration?
The demonstration is being organized by a coalition of religious and human rights leaders, including political conservatives and progressives. Some of the leaders include Rev. Walter Fauntroy, Rev. Joe Madison, Rabbi Jack Moline, Rev. Bob Edgar and Rev. Mark Thompson. Sponsoring organizations include New Bethel Baptist Church, Res Publica, faithfulamerica.org, Sojourners, the National Council of Churches and the Sudan Campaign www.thesudancampaign.com.
What will we call on world leaders to do?
We will demand that world leaders declare the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan what they are – genocide.
We will demand an immediate massive increase in funding and logistics to meet the need for humanitarian aid in Darfur. We will call for an immediate, international intervention, with European and African participation to protect the people of Darfur and to guarantee the delivery of aid to them. We will call upon the United Nations Security Council to authorize this intervention, to impose targeted asset and travel sanctions on leaders in the Sudanese regime who are responsible for ethnic cleansing and genocide, and to begin an investigation leading to prosecution for those responsible in international courts.
Similar demands have already been made in bipartisan resolutions recently introduced in the United State Congress, but more political pressure is needed for the United States and the world to act. The demonstration will help to create such pressure.
How can I help to spread the word about the demonstration?
Please share these materials will everyone you know who might be interested via e-mail, posting within offices, houses of worship, etc. It is especially important to remind people to sign up for the demonstration on the website: www.darfurgenocide.org We need an accurate headcount to make the demonstration as successful as possible. We need your help!
What do I need to do to let demonstration organizers know I plan to attend?
As noted above, please sign up for the demonstration on the website: http://www.darfurgenocide.org Please sign up TODAY, but only if you plan to attend.
What will happen if it rains on the day of the demonstration?
We will proceed with the demonstration. Wear a raincoat and bring something plastic to lie down on rather than a blanket or a towel.
Is it okay for children to attend the demonstration?
Children may attend, but please be aware that the “die-in” is part of the rally’s activities. Please make sure that you bring a bottle of water for each person in your party, including each child.
Will there be any portable restrooms in Lafayette Park?
No. Park regulations prohibit portable restrooms in Lafayette Square.
Who may I contact for more information about the demonstration?
You may contact Ricken Patel of Res Publica at 646-229-5416.
PLEASE FORWARD THESE MATERIALS TO OTHERS WHO CARE!
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