Church World Service Joins Others in Calling for a More Effective International Response to Genocide in Darfur

February 3, 2006

Church World Service’s Fidele Lumeya calls for US and UN action to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Photo: M. Shupack/CWS

At noon on February 2, Church World Service participated in a rally organized by Africa Action calling for stronger U.S. and United Nations action to stop genocide in Darfur, the Sudan.

Fidele Lumeya, Associate Director for Church World Service’s Emergency Response Program, spoke about the people of Darfur and what he has learned from them as they struggle to survive the horrific violence that continues to be visited upon them by armed militias supported by the Sudanese government.

Participants in the rally – held across the street from the White House in Washington, D.C. -- urged the United States government to use its current leadership of the U.N. Security Council to seek a broader peacekeeping force for Sudan and a stronger mandate to protect civilians. On behalf of Church World Service, Lumeya called for the U.S. government to use its leadership in the UN Security Council to strengthen the international response in Darfur.

CWS urges the Security Council to issue a broader mandate for peacekeeping in Darfur that allows for a clear role for the protection of civilians. This must be coupled with sufficient assured international logistical and financial support. CWS urges the Security Council to reconstitute the Africa Union troops on the ground as U.N. “blue helmet” peacekeepers and to authorize a broader multinational peacekeeping presence in Darfur, capable of ensuring the protection of civilians.

The Africa Action rally to urge US and UN action to end the Darfur genocide. The rally was held across the street from The White House on February 2. Photo: M. Shupack/CWS

The Africa Union itself has expressed support for its Darfur peacekeeping force being re-authorized as UN peacekeepers, as has UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. In addition, wider multinational participation in the peacekeeping presence can bring larger numbers and more funding, both which are necessary to provide adequate protection for civilians.

CWS and other advocates believe that the deteriorating situation in Darfur requires a greater international response. Because the U.S. will serve as president of the UN Security Council for the month of February, this is a vital opportunity for the President Bush and the Security Council to act to protect the people of Darfur.

Church World Service feels a special responsibility to advocate for a more effective international response in Darfur because of its ongoing humanitarian work in this violated region of Africa. CWS works on the ground in Darfur in cooperation with an international alliance of NGOs from the U.S., Europe, and Sudan. This alliance is helping some 325,000 families directly in addition to hospitals and health centers serving up to 250,000 and water projects for additional communities.

Church World Service plans to participate in a second such rally in New York City at the U.S. mission to the United Nations on February 8.

Read more about CWS's response to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.