Anyone can look sympathetically upon a photo of someone crying inside their burnt out house, and feel the pain and grief that one would have, but imagine when it is compounded by a whole village. Now add death and rape into the mix, and the images are even more haunting, the images are the reality of Sudan's genocide in Darfur, and of an international failure to end the continued suffering that has left millions dying in the wake of the conflict.
Tonight in DC a book signing and awareness event was held for, Darfur: Twenty Years of War and Genocide in Sudan, with editor Leora Kahn, who was joined by Scott Edwards Sudan Country Specialist for Amnesty International USA. The book features the work of eight prominent photographers covering three periods in the Sudan crisis, including images from:
The book leaves one haunted by the images of hate, violence, suffering and death; while also leaving one moved by images of courage and hope.
The book is more than a collection of shocking and amazing images, the pages of this work of activism is more than just imagery, as the photos are complemented by the work of leading writers and activists. Contributing writers include Jonathan Alter, Newsweek and NBC News journalist; Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA; Mia Farrow, an award-winning actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2001; and John Prendergast, writer and Senior Adviser at the International Crisis Group.
However while books and events like this clearly have an impact, they are sadly not striking deep enough, as the continuous suffering and killing in Darfur rages on. As one who attends many events on Darfur can see many of faces and core group of activists, and while they are making an impact and needed. Just as the people of Darfur can no longer carry the burden of genocide, the activist fighting tirelessly to end the suffering in Sudan can no longer carry this burden alone. As an international community we are failing the people of Darfur, and it appears that we have yet to learn how to deal with genocide, as Sudan mirrors many past failings.
How can you learn more and get involved? Learn more about the U.S.'s Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act, and how at the Sudan Divestment Task Force. Join groups and campaigns such as; Save Darfur , Help Darfur Now, 24 Hours for Darfur, Darfur Peace and Development organization, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Amnesty International, Genocide Intervention Network, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and many others.
*All proceeds from the book will benefit the Genocide Intervention Network and Amnesty International USA.
Other eye opening images of the reality of Sudan can be found in The Devil Came on Horseback and Sand and Sorrow.
Please see previous posts such as; Sexual Assault and Rape Continue in Sudan, Despite Increased Aid Efforts We Are Still Failing the Children of Darfur, Attacks in Sudan Targeting Children, and The Children of Sudan.
Recent News on the Crisis in Darfur:
A report by the Darfur Consortium concludes that the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission is near to failing and has done no more since January to bring peace and stability to Darfur than its predecessor mission did (The Guardian (London)).
Sudanese diplomats have advanced on more than a dozen countries, both allies and enemies, in an aggressive charm offensive. Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir himself visited Darfur for the first time in a year, promising aid, commiserating over losses endured by the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping mission, and demonizing the International Criminal Court and prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo. The public relations effort may be geared at convincing UN Security Council nations such as China and Russia, which have indicated they are sympathetic to the notion that an arrest would threaten the peacekeeping mission (Los Angeles Times, Financial Times, The New York Times).
