background
recent news

 

It’s been just over 7 months since 'Sudan: Day of Conscience,' when I and other people of faith and good will were arrested as we called on the government of Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur. I am dismayed that so little progress has been made since then. Thankfully, momentum is once again building around legislation in the US Senate and proposals in the UN Security Council. I applaud the efforts of the UU United Nations Office to rally Unitarian Universalists to action, and hope that many congregations will answer the call to help stop the violence in Darfur.

Rev. William G. Sinkford
President, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations


 

UUs in Action to Stop Genocide in Darfur

UU-UNO and UUSC Participate in Dream for Darfur Olympic Torch Ceremony

On September 9, members of the UU-UNO and Metro NY congregations joined other activists for the kick-off of the Dream for Darfur Olympic Torch campaign. The campaign aims to pressure the Chinese government, host of the 2008 Olympics, to take diplomatic and economic action against the genocide.

In a powerful ceremony, genocide survivors from Darfur , Rwanda , Cambodia , the Holocaust, and Armenia spoke of their experiences and the critical importance of activist campaigns that advocate for the protection of civilians wherever and whenever genocide takes place. Daoud Hari, a Darfuri survivor, and Amber Stachowski, an Olympic water polo medallist, then lit the torch and led the crowd from the Sudanese Mission to the China Mission to urge China, Sudan's chief diplomatic sponsor, major weapons provider, and largest foreign investor and trade partner, to use their influence with the Sudanese government to end the atrocities occurring on the ground.

From top : 1) Genocide survivors from Darfur , Rwanda , Cambodia , the Holocaust, and Armenia join together for lighting of the torch. 2) UU-UNO Intern Najla Benson holds a candle lit from the torch's flame. 3) UU Youth Outreach Coordinator Reid Robinson and Darfur Coordinator Derick Bowen observe the ceremony. Photo Courtesy of Derick Bowen.

Past events:

UU Rally before the Rally : 'UUs in Action and Solidarity for the People of Darfur' (September 2006, NYC)

UU-UNO Darfur Sunday (2005)

What else can I do to help protect
people of Darfur from genocide?

Join UU-UNO and Save Darfur Coalition to help end the genocide by taking small steps that can make a big difference for the people of Darfur. Everyone can help build the political power needed to end this conflict.

  • Educate others about genocide and inform them of what they can do to help the people of Darfur.

Please do not forget to share with us an activity you are planning to help the people of Darfur in your community.

Read the UU Action of Immediate Witness:
"End Crimes Against Humanity in Darfur, Sudan"
Passed by delegates at the 2005 UUA General Assembly