Conyers Helps Advance Peace and Security for the People of Darfur

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman John Conyers (D-MI.) joined a majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.Res. 573, a bill recognizing and commending the efforts of the United States public and advocacy groups to raise awareness about and help end the worsening humanitarian crisis and genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

The President has continually made promises to the victims of the tragic genocide in Dafur that help is on the way. Unfortunately hundreds of thousands of people are still waiting for that help to materialize. While almost everyone involved in Darfur policy agrees that an African Union peacekeeping force of just 7,000 troops is not up to the task, the United States has refused to send troops and, despite promises of reinforcements, has yet to secure many additional troops from other countries. At the same time, it has been unable to broker a diplomatic resolution that might ease the violence. There is no doubt that what is taking place in Darfur is genocide, and the government of Sudan and the Janjaweed bear responsibility. Congress and the Administration must support legislation to address this most pressing human rights issue. We must move beyond the rhetoric and take action to save the lives of the people who are struggling each day with this horrific conflict. We must leave politics aside and support legislation such as:




Today, my colleagues were offered the opportunity to move in the positive direction of addressing this most pressing human rights issue and overwhelmingly voted to show their unconditional support and commitment to advancing peace and security for the people of Darfur . I now encourage President Bush to take the same road.