The horrors of Sudan and the Darfur region we continue to hear about make for depressing news, but when children become involved, it is less easy to just sit by. Where is our government? Aren’t they supposed to represent the people? Well, one person, this person, is asking: where is our government and why isn’t it responding to the Darfur genocide?
Many people feel the same way. We have signed petitions, sent money in, contacted our representatives, but nothing has come of it. Why? Why isn’t Bush, the compassionate conservative, taking action? Where is Laura? Where is Condi? Are they all blind to what is happening? Where is the Senate and the House of Representatives? How can we ever be the major power in the world without using that power for good, to at least protect children?
I’m dumbfounded at our insensitivity and lack of action.
NAIROBI, 18 April 2007 (IRIN) - Children in war-ravaged areas of Sudan have endured unspeakable violations and urgently need protection, according to a report by a network of NGOs monitoring violations against children in situations of armed conflict.
"The violations include killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abductions, denial of humanitarian assistance, attacks on schools and hospitals, and recruitment and use by armed groups," the report, released by Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, said on Wednesday.
Link: http://www.watchlist.org/
Noting that the protection and well-being of children in Sudan was at a critical stage, it said: "While children in the south are enjoying improved security and access to services, those in Darfur [western region] face appalling levels of violence and abuse.
"Armed forces and groups in Darfur continue to kill and maim children and youth, and humanitarian agencies have documented cases of armed groups shooting, mutilating and torturing children."
The report revealed that sexual violence is allegedly perpetrated by all armed groups and is often extremely brutal. "Sexual violence is used by Arab militias. as a tool to subjugate and humiliate non-Arab girls and women, and the acts of sexual violence are often accompanied by racial epithets and other degrading comments."
The report also noted that school enrolment had decreased, while only one doctor was available for 100,000 people in Darfur.
"A lot needs to be done since children in Sudan continue to endure some of the most inhumane conditions in the world," Sarah Spencer, the network's interim director, said.
The report makes a number of recommendations to signatories of the 2005 southern Sudan peace agreement, Sudanese authorities, United Nations member states, the humanitarian and donor community, and Sudan's key trading partners.
"These youth have grown up in such a violent context and did not have a choice; today, education has to provide an alternative to such patterns," CARE International education program coordinator in Sudan, Dan Langoya, said at the launch of the report in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. "They have to get used to life outside the military."
This is a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report and it was reprinted according to IRIN copyright rules.