Darfur Needs U.N. Peacekeepers NOW!

Darfur activists won a huge victory on August 31 when the U.N. Security Council approved a peacekeeping force for Darfur. But that force cannot be sent until the Sudanese Government approves it - which will require diplomatic pressure from the Bush Administration. I hope you'll take a moment to sign this important petition. Bob Fertik Stand up for the people of Darfur Dear Friend, The situation in Darfur is spiraling out of control. Over the past three months tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced and violence against aid workers is at its highest level ever. As a result of the mounting insecurity, almost half a million innocent people are without aid. It is our responsibility to stand up for those who are left vulnerable and without a voice. Please take action today. Following unrelenting pressure by AJWS and Darfur activists around the world, the United Nations Security Council passed a Darfur resolution on August 31. This resolution calls for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to help curb the violence and implement the peace agreement signed earlier this year. But there are significant roadblocks to the deployment of such a force, including the Sudanese President who recently described any UN intervention as "illegal". With this adversity, and the slow pace of action, it is critical that you send a letter to President Bush asking him to use diplomacy to overcome objections from the Sudanese government to implementing this UN resolution. The UN must send peacekeepers to Darfur before the volatile situation erupts into all out war, leading to the forced withdrawal of humanitarian relief groups and the death and displacement of hundreds of thousands more Darfurians. Since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003, it has claimed more than 450,000 civilian lives. Today, as you read this e-mail, the genocide continues while the world watches from a distance. A small and poorly-equipped force of African Union troops has been unable to stop the violence. It is imperative that a UN peacekeeping force intervene as soon as possible to protect millions of Darfurians who are living in the line of fire. The situation is desperate, and it is time to act. Thank you for standing up for the people of Darfur. Sincerely, American Jewish World Service P.S. If you live in the northeast, please join us for the "Voices to Stop Genocide" rally, on Sunday, September 17, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in New York's Central Park. Click here for more information. www.ajws.org © American Jewish World Service 2006