War in Darfur Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

War in Darfur - Essay Example The government responded to these assaults by taking sides with and by providing weapons to the Janjaweed, an Arab militia having been accused f attempts to eliminate black Africans from the nearby territory. Although the government denies the joining f forces with the Janjaweed, Darfur refugees have confirmed that following the government's aerial bombings, these soldiers have slaughtered men, raped women and have looted many villages in their path. Civilians have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in camps within Darfur's larger towns where there is a shortage f food supplies, medicine and more importantly, water. Many have gone as far as escaping to Chad, a neighboring country whose conditions in certain regions are the same as in Darfur. (Bengali 9-11) On May 5th 2006, a peace accord was offered by the country's largest rebel force, the Sudan Liberation Army, and was signed by the government, however two smaller rebel groups have refused to accept the treaty. The objective was for the Janjaweed to be disarmed, and for the rebel forces to become part f the Sudanese army. Although different sources have provided different numbers, the death toll in Darfur stands at approximately 400, 000 and will continue to rise so long as no one puts an end to this unbelievable tragedy. (Briggs 77-80) While it is impossible to single-handedly stop the slaughtering in Darfur, there are many ways one can help the situation. As always, a cash donation is the most common method f aid, and in a humanitarian crisis such as this, it is one f the only methods f help available; money donations are far more practical than oversea shipments f food and clothing at high transportation costs. The Red Cross is one f the major organizations currently making a difference in Sudan and Chad. The ICRC (International Committee f the Red Cross) has been involved with helping in Sudan since 1978 due to famine being a constant death factor in many African countries. The U.N., whose responsibility is to protect civilians affected by political issues, has hesitated before taking action. This resembles their behavior in Rwanda, when 800, 000 Rwandans were left to die in a short period f three months. According to Amnesty International, attacks on civilians and aid workers have increased since late 2005. If something is to be done, it must be accomplished quickly, as more and more lives are being put in danger. (Harris 1-7) Human Rights Crisis in Darfur If you ask anybody what they know about the Darfur conflict you will most likely hear "it is a genocide being waged by Arabs against Africans". The truth about what is happening in this country and the causes are much deeper and sometimes surprising. It is popular to denounce the genocide taking place there, due in part to the efforts f celebrities like Angelina Jolie who are raising awareness. Besides awareness, though, understanding f the entire is situation is needed if real change is to occur. (Flint 99-104) Darfur is a region in Sudan the size f France or Texas and has been home to many tribes, the biggest being the Fur tribe. This is where the name Darfur come comes from. Literally translated it means "the land f the Fur". This country is also