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Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

September 13, 2004

Although a world away, the dire situation in the North African nation of Sudan deserves our attention – and more importantly, our action.

I am now pleased to see action on this issue: just days ago, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared that genocide has occurred in the western Sudan region of Darfur.

“We concluded that genocide has been committed in Darfur and that the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed bear responsibility and genocide may still be occurring,' Secretary Powell testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Hopefully, Secretary Powell’s use of the term “genocide” will influence the diplomatic debate as the U.N. Security Council weighs a U.S. proposed resolution threatening oil sanctions if Sudan does not stop the abuses.

This humanitarian crisis calls on our nation’s highest moral responsibility and that of the global community to do all we can to stop the violence against the innocent. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) now considers this the world’s worst humanitarian crisis since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. If we do nothing, it will cost millions of people’s lives.

The Sudanese government has used old animosities to maintain power by supporting the killing, raping and pillaging of millions of innocent people from Darfur’s black African population. A government sponsored militia called the Janjaweed carries out the devastating work.

USAID estimates that 2.2 million people have already been affected in Darfur and Eastern Chad. The agency director has warned that, even under the best conditions, hundreds of thousands of people could die. Some reports estimate that by year’s end, the final death toll could reach 1 million if humanitarian organizations are unable to deliver aid.

If the United Nations declares Sudan to be a genocide site, the U.S. has an obligation to immediately identify funds and food aid to meet the traditional U.S. share of the multi-million appeal from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

So far, the Sudanese government has not been helpful, refusing to allow international monitors and humanitarian workers full access to Darfur. At the same time, government supported violence has reportedly continued in several areas.

Congress has already begun working to address this difficult issue. To date, we have provided more than $109 million of humanitarian as-sistance to Darfur, including 86,700 metric tons of emergency food assistance.

I have cosponsored resolutions condemning the Sudanese government for its attacks against innocent civilians (H. Con. Res. 403), and declaring a genocide in Darfur (H. Con. Res. 467). Both of these measures have overwhelmingly passed the House in recent months. I am also cosponsoring a resolution prohibiting entities engaged in oil and gas developing in Sudan from raising capital in the U.S. or trading securities on U.S. markets (H.R. 4426).

Through the items I just mentioned, and other efforts, the U.S. has been instrumental in moving towards a peaceful agreement. However, we must continue aggressively and generously rallying the international community to a quick response if we are to make a difference in the lives of millions.

America’s evangelical community has reacted as well. Thirty-five Christian leaders have signed a letter urging President Bush to provide massive humanitarian aid and consider sending U.S. troops to stop the genocide. I would agree that we have both a moral and religious obligation to aid our neighbors.

Every day that we hesitate harms the innocent. It is my hope that continued pressure on Sudan to end the suffering can lead to a final peace agreement in this troubled nation and save, perhaps, millions of innocent lives.