2012-07-10               Update from Sudan

Dear John,

One year ago today, the Republic of South Sudan celebrated its independence. After decades of civil war, the nation separated from Sudan. Today marks a moment to recognize South Sudan’s freedom.

But I’ve just returned from a trip to South Sudan, my third visit in the last year, and it is clear that, while the government of Sudan continues its attacks on civilians in the border regions with the South, there can be no lasting peace.

That’s why I hope you’ll choose peace and support Sudanese and South Sudanese Diaspora and fellow activists in events around the world today. Click here to post a picture of yourself with a sign that says “I choose peace in Sudan and South Sudan” and help to spread the word today.

The situation is dire and is only growing worse. “Hell on earth,” was how one aid worker described the conditions at one of many temporary refugee camps.

After surviving daily bombings by the Sudanese air force and the threat of starvation at the hands of President Bashir, refugees now face another deadly threat: a shortage of water. 

Azize, a secondary school student I met, witnessed people dying along the road from lack of water. She became ill herself, but is doing better since arriving at a new refugee camp where aid agencies have been able to drill sufficient wells. When I asked her why she fled her home in Sudan, Azize blamed the government saying, “they kill the civilians and still the Antonov is bombing.” 

There are too many stories like Azize’s, too many innocent lives that are at risk. As long as peace loses out to war, one thing is certain, innocent civilian will face more death and destruction. 

For years, we’ve worked diligently to help bring peace to Sudan. When so many turned their attention away from South Sudan after independence, we didn’t. We worked to introduce legislation, meet with the Administration, organize rallies and hold local awareness raising events around the country. 

We’ve worked for peace — and want you to join us. Visit www.wechoosepeace.org now and post your picture for peace. It will be added to a map that shows how far the campaign has spread. Then share the website and your photo on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #choosepeace. 

We Choose Peace. We hope that you will join us. 

Thanks,
Dan Sullivan
Director of Policy, United to End Genocide
ABOUT UNITED TO END GENOCIDE We are United to End Genocide, the largest activist organization in America dedicated to preventing and ending genocide and mass atrocities worldwide. We are faith leaders, students, artists, investors and genocide survivors, and all those who believe we must fulfill the promise the world made following the Holocaust — "Never Again!"