has no stains, how will justice have an advocate that will command respect?
For me, I think it is up to the people within countries to force their own governments to do the right thing. And for those of us who have freedom of speech, it might be our most vital obligation ... to use our freedom for justice to hang around. Justice doesn't just happen. And we don't all have the same same idea of what justice is. We don't all have the same idea of what compassion looks like.
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Craig Ferguson March 4, 2009 - Part 1 of 3
At 7:29 Archbishop Tutu talks about being in Darfur
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Craig Ferguson March 4, 2009 - Part 2 of 3
This is very good.
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Craig Ferguson March 4, 2009 - Part 3 0f 3
Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Above 3 videos uploaded by Phillyfinale
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We're not well until we're all well.
Mary Sanger
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Link to video regarding President Bashir's Arrest Warrant from the ICC
Uploaded by AlJazeeraEnglish
Text with the video
Source: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=500&sid=1617453
By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press Writer
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday that Sudan's expulsion of 13 major aid groups will cause irrevocable damage to humanitarian operations in Darfur and called on the government to urgently reconsider.
Ban said the agencies' operations "are key to maintaining a lifeline to 4.7 million Sudanese people who receive aid in Darfur," according to U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas.
U.N. officials said Sudan ordered 13 of the largest aid groups expelled after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Sudan's government has accused the non-governmental organizations of cooperating with the court and offering "false" testimony. Al-Bashir accused the groups of trying to disrupt peace efforts in Darfur. Read the full article: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=500&sid=1617453
Source:
http://www.france24.com/en/20090305-sudan-aid-agencies-darfur-expel-durand-doctors-without-borders-medecins-sans-frontieres-humanitarian
Thierry Durand, head of operations in Sudan for the French section of Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials MSF), is protesting the Sudanese government's decision to expel 10 nongovernmental organisations.
"They have not recognised the difference between aid organisations like MSF and human-rights activists who have campaigned for years for justice and provided information to the international justice system," Durand said on FRANCE 24 television.
"We've tried to differentiate ourselves from human-rights activists, but the government hasn’t recognised that and expelled 10 NGOs, a strong political sign from Sudanese government."
Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, accused NGOs of breaking the country's laws on Thursday.
"We have expelled 10 foreign organizations after monitoring activities that act in contradiction to all regulation and laws," said Bashir in a cabinet meeting in which he confirmed the execution of the sentence.
"We will deal responsibly and decisively with anybody who tries to target the stability and security of the country," he added. The meeting was Bashir's first public speech since the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Wednesday.
Ten international NGOs were expelled: Britain's Oxfam and Save the Children; US-based CARE, CHF and the International Rescue Committee; the French Solidarités and Action Contre la Faim; and Mercy Corps, MSF’s Dutch section and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Durand says the government's reaction is unacceptable. "They have not explained the decision and have not responded to the questions from MSF members," he said.
The organisations that have been expelled are involved in a number of areas, including distribution of water, food and medicine, explained Durand.
"Four other MSF sections will try remain in Darfur, but the expulsion of hundreds of NGOs has left no aid workers at all in certain places," he said.
The humanitarian situation in Darfur has been stable since May 2004, and according to Durand, there is no major emergency there presently. Nevertheless, he added, two million people there are "completely dependent" on international aid.
Link to the article: SUDAN: Aid agencies react to expulsions
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UN Calls on Sudan to Reverse NGO Expulsion Order
Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-05-voa55.cfm
United Nations
05 March 2009
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| U.N. deputy humanitarian chief Catherine Bragg in Harare, 25 Feb 2009 |
U.N. deputy humanitarian chief Catherine Bragg said Sudan's decision to expel 13 aid organizations in north Sudan will have immediate effect on the ability to deliver humanitarian assistance in the whole country, but especially in Darfur, where 4.7 million people receive aid.
"We are deeply concerned about the decision of the government of Sudan which will have devastating effect on their own citizens in Darfur," she said. "These agencies are vital implementing partners for the United Nations and account for at least half of the humanitarian capacity in Darfur. It removes 40 percent of the aid workers in Darfur - roughly 6,500 national and international staff."
The list of aid groups ordered out include Action Contre La Faim (ACF), Care International, CHF International, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, both the French and Dutch branches of Doctors without Borders, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam, PADCO, Solidarités, and both the British and U.S. branches of Save the Children.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also expressed his concern about the action. In a statement, he urged the government of Sudan to reconsider its decision, saying it if it is implemented, it will cause "irrevocable damage" to humanitarian operations there.
Catherine Bragg said some aid groups were given only 24 hours to leave. She said the United Nations is now working to assist these agencies in bringing their staff members back from the field to Khartoum, where they will get exit visas to leave the country.
Also troubling is the way in which the government has gone about expelling the charities.
"Sudanese officials also requested some agencies to hand over a list of their assets, and in some cases have begun to gather banking details and confiscated office equipment such as computers, communications equipment and vehicles," she said.
Bragg said the United Nations is deeply concerned about the safety and security of the aid workers and that the government's actions are contrary to the assurances the United Nations received that humanitarian operations would be protected and assistance would continue. More worrying, she said is the situation of those who need their help.
"This will have profound implication on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Darfur and in Sudan," said Bragg. "We are even more deeply concerned about the welfare of the 4.6 million conflict affected people in Darfur. With loss of these NGOs, 1.1 million people will be without food aid, 1.1 million will be without health care, and over 1 million without potable water."
Bragg said the United Nations is looking into contingency plans on how to fill the gaps, including asking the remaining aid groups and the Sudanese government to help, in addition to stepping up its own humanitarian operations.
Just hours after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al Bashir yesterday, he expelled six humanitarian organizations from Sudan – including Doctors Without Borders, Care International, International Rescue Committee and others Click Here to read the CNN article.
Jewish World Watch will be hosting a conference call tomorrow morning with David Kaye, Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights Law at UCLA, who will help us understand the legal implications of the warrant, and Naama Haviv, Assistant Director of Jewish World Watch, who will discuss the action that our anti-genocide community needs to take in order to support the goals of Peace and Protection for the people of Darfur, and Punishment for the perpetrators.
Because of the high number of expected participants on the call, please email your questions in advance to ari@jewishworldwatch.org.
Call-in information:
Friday, March 6
11:00a.m. (Los Angeles, CA time probably)
Dial-in: (866) 213-1863Access code: 6316927
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Here is the Darfur coverage for March 4, 2009:
THE WHITE HOUSE
The press briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had the following about Darfur:
Q Does the President support the arrest warrant issued today against President Bashir of Sudan? And how is the administration planning for the possibility of retaliation as a result of this against Darfurians, a possible collapse of the peace in the south, and international workers in Sudan?
MR. GIBBS: Let me -- without getting specifically into this, the White House believes that those who have committed atrocities should be held accountable; that as this process moves forward, that we would urge restraint on the part of all parties, including the government of Sudan; that further violence against civilian Sudanese or foreign interests is to be avoided and won't be tolerated. The President and this White House are determined to support the pursuit of an immediate cease-fire and long-term peace in the region. Obviously there are many efforts that are ongoing in the region to help those that have been displaced, and the President believes those efforts should and must continue.
Q So he does support the ICC's --
MR. GIBBS: I'm not going to go farther than what I just said.
The U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
The March 4, 2009 daily press briefing had the following about Darfur:
MR. DUGUID: Good morning, everyone. I’d like to read a statement to begin this morning’s briefing.
The United States is strongly committed to the pursuit of peace in Sudan, and believes those who have committed atrocities should be held accountable for their crimes.
We urge the Government of Sudan, armed rebel groups, and all others – all other concerned parties to exercise restraint in responding to the ICC arrest warrant that was issued today and to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable Sudanese populations, international civilians, and peacekeepers on the ground.
The United States will continue to support efforts to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people and to promote a just and durable peace. We remain committed to the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that brought an end to the conflict between North and South Sudan. We will also continue to support the UN-AU mediator Bassole’s efforts to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and a political settlement that will end the humanitarian crisis and bring a lasting peace to Darfur.
With that, I shall take your questions.
QUESTION: Are there any American personnel still in Darfur? What’s the situation at the Embassy? Are there any concerns that – even though you’re not a member of the ICC, that there might be some kind of a – there might be some kind of disturbance around your facilities?
MR. DUGUID: I checked just before coming out, so my information is as recent as I could have it, that the Embassy was open and functioning, that all American citizens were safe and accounted for. There had been protests in Khartoum, but there has been no violence that I am aware of at this particular point.
QUESTION: And in terms of Americans who might be in Darfur --
MR. DUGUID: In Darfur, I’ll have to check on that for you. I don’t have those particular figures. If we have anybody on the ground at the moment, it’s --
QUESTION: Apparently, all of the international NGOs have been called in and asked to leave. Do you have anything on that?
MR. DUGUID: I don’t. That would be something that the UN perhaps had organized. I don’t have any information on it. Our Embassy is, as I said, open and our people are at work.
Yes.
QUESTION: Since the United States is not a signatory to the ICC, if for some reason President Bashir were to be on U.S. soil, would the U.S. be under any obligation to arrest him and turn him over to international authorities?
MR. DUGUID: That’s a speculative question. I don’t expect President Bashir to be here anytime soon, so I will defer that question until it actually happens.
QUESTION: Well, it’s not a speculative question.
MR. DUGUID: Yes, the --
QUESTION: Forget about Bashir.
MR. DUGUID: Yes.
QUESTION: If there’s – if the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for someone who then turns up on U.S. soil --
MR. DUGUID: The United States expects all parties to the conflict in Darfur to cooperate fully with the ICC and its prosecutors called upon by the relevant UN Security Council resolution. The question of whether or not someone charged by the ICC shows up on U.S. soil, what is the U.S. response for that, I’ll have to ask our lawyers to provide me with an answer..
QUESTION: Okay. Can I – because I don’t know if there is any obligation at all, but it’s not incredibly hypothetical to think that Bashir might come to the United States. I mean, a lot of world leaders go to the UN.
MR. DUGUID: The UN would be a different case as the diplomatic organization there.
QUESTION: They have to land at an airport on U.S.. soil.
MR. DUGUID: They also have special arrangements for them. Let’s ask the lawyers to get us an answer on this so we are not speculating.
Yes.
QUESTION: I heard you in your statement say that you remain committed to the process, but I didn’t hear you say that you welcomed this step by the ICC. Can you say whether you do or not?
MR. DUGUID: Well, what the United States does is we expect all parties in Darfur to cooperate with this. We want to see an end to the violence in Darfur, we want to see an end to the violence in Sudan, and we want to see those who have committed atrocities held accountable for their actions and their crimes.
QUESTION: Would you count President Bashir among those?
MR. DUGUID: We would refer you to what the ICC has said, what the international community said, what we have supported in the UN on Sudan; and it is evident that the Government of Sudan has the brunt of the responsibility for what has happened in Darfur, and he is the head of that government.
QUESTION: So you would welcome President Bashir being taken to The Hague and placed on trial?
MR. DUGUID: We would welcome an end to the conflict and violence in Darfur and a peaceful resolution to the differences between the conflicting parties.
QUESTION: So this is a helpful step, then, toward that?
MR. DUGUID: This is a helpful – this is – can be a helpful step. We will see how it proceeds from here.
QUESTION: What is the status, though, of the U.S. – of diplomatic contact with President Bashir at all? Do you still – obviously, you still recognize him as the head of state, but you know, will U.S. diplomats meet with Bashir if the opportunity arises?
MR. DUGUID: We already carefully consider contact with Sudanese Government officials based on a need to try and help resolve the crisis. For example, the United States does not maintain full diplomatic relations with Sudan. We only have a charg� in place at the Embassy. But because we take the court’s actions very seriously, any official contacts with President Bashir would have to be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis, very mindful of the indictment.
QUESTION: Well, can – I know that this is a new Administration, but the Bush Administration had called the atrocities in Darfur genocide.
MR. DUGUID: And I think you’ll find that Ambassador Rice did so --
QUESTION: Okay. So --
MR. DUGUID: -- just a few moments ago in the UN.
QUESTION: So I mean, if you could – you know, just to pick up where Kirit was about whether you welcome the decision and what cooperation did the United States have with the court in providing information to get the indictment?
MR. DUGUID: This was taken by the ICC, to which we are not a party and not a signatory; therefore, I am stating what our position is. Things that then run from the ICC’s own train of events, I have to refer you to the ICC.
QUESTION: Well, but I mean, were you – did you cooperate with the court? Did you provide the court information? You’ve always said that even though you’re not a party to the court, you can still cooperate with the court on --
MR. DUGUID: I’m not at liberty to discuss whatever diplomatic communication we may have had with the court. We do see this as a step that the Sudanese Government should take seriously and respond to in a positive manner in order to try and end the violence in Darfur.
Yes.
QUESTION: Whether or not you cooperate with the court, does the United States have independent evidence that Bashir and his aides have committed war crimes?
MR. DUGUID: As it’s now a matter for a court, I think I should refrain from making a statement on what might influence that court’s decisions.
Yes.
QUESTION: Can I go back to the Bashir thing for one second?
MR. DUGUID: Yes.
QUESTION: You said that any contact with Bashir would have to be considered very carefully on a case-by-case basis --
MR. DUGUID: That’s correct.
QUESTION: -- considering the indictment --
MR. DUGUID: That is correct.
QUESTION: Considering the arrest warrant?
MR. DUGUID: Yes.
QUESTION: Well, does that mean that you will or you won’t meet with him?
MR. DUGUID: That means that should that opportunity present itself, we would have to consider that very, very carefully in light of our – of any obligations that might be laid upon us due to the ICC warrant; also, any possible ramifications that it would present, given the situation on the ground at the time.
QUESTION: Well, that – your answer seems to suggest that there may be obligations that you have to the ICC, but you’re not a signatory.
MR. DUGUID: As I indicated earlier, we will take the question on --
QUESTION: Thank you.
MR. DUGUID: -- our obligations and find out what they are. But I’m unaware of any, so I don’t want to rule any in or out.
QUESTION: Okay. Can you make sure when you ask for the obligations that you might have if he steps foot on U.S. soil, if he comes to the United States, also ask them, you know, what obligations there might be for anyone – any American official seeing him?
MR. DUGUID: We will – we will --
QUESTION: Thank you.
MR. DUGUID: -- ask the full range of the question.
Thank you. Yes, please.
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations noon briefing had the following related to Darfur:
BAN KI-MOON CALLS ON SUDAN TO CONTINUE TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH ALL U.N. ENTITIES
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has today issued a warrant for the arrest of President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan, for his alleged responsibility for crimes committed in Darfur.
- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recognizes the authority of the International Criminal Court as an independent judicial institution.
- The Secretary-General trusts that the Government of Sudan will address the issues of peace and justice in a manner consistent with Security Council resolution 1593 (2005).
- The United Nations will continue to conduct its vital peacekeeping, humanitarian, human rights and development operations and activities in Sudan.
- The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Sudan to continue to cooperate fully with all UN entities and their implementing partners, while fulfilling its obligation to ensure the safety and security of the civilian population, UN personnel and property, and that of its implementing partners.
- The Secretary-General calls on all parties to work in good faith toward a political solution to end the conflict in Darfur. He also calls on the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to recommit themselves to the full and timely implementation of the Agreement, which remains the basis for the long term peace and security in Sudan.
ICC ISSUES ARREST WARRANT FOR PRESIDENT OF SUDAN
- According to the ICC, the Sudanese President is suspected of being criminally responsible, as an indirect (co-)perpetrator, for intentionally directing attacks against an important part of the civilian population of Darfur, Sudan, murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property. This is the first warrant of arrest ever issued for a sitting Head of State by the ICC.
- According to the Judges, the above-mentioned crimes were allegedly committed during a five year counter-insurgency campaign by the Government of Sudan against the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and other armed groups opposing the Government of Sudan in Darfur.
- According to the ICC, a core component of that campaign was the unlawful attack on that part of the civilian population of Darfur – belonging largely to the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups – perceived to be close to the organized armed groups opposing the Government of Sudan in Darfur.
- The Court says that his status as a sitting head of state does not grant him immunity against prosecution. If arrested, he will be tried on five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes. He has not been indicted on charges of genocide, the Pre-Trial Chamber said.
- ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said at the press conference in The Hague a few hours ago that he has "strong evidence" to prove that President Bashir, has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
BAN KI-MOON VOICES CONCERN AS SOME NGOs SEE THEIR REGISTRATION REVOKED IN SUDAN
- The security situation in Darfur today was reported as relatively calm.
- The Government of Sudan this morning conducted a ground and aerial show of force in El Fasher, North Darfur and Nyala, South Darfur.
- Peaceful demonstrations took place in El Fasher, Nyala and El Geneina, West Darfur, following the ICC announcement that it has issued an arrest warrant for the Sudanese President. More demonstrations have been scheduled tomorrow.
- The African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) reports that UNAMID police and peacekeepers continue to carry out their normal patrolling activities and are closely monitoring developments throughout the region, particularly in and around the IDP camps.
- The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that of 12 NGOs summoned by the Sudan Government Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), six have already confirmed that their legal registrations have been revoked, a list of assets must be produced for seizure, and that they must leave North Sudan with immediate effect.
- In response to a question at the noon briefing about the reported expulsion of NGOs by Sudan, the Spokeswoman later said the Secretary-General is concerned to hear that between six and ten humanitarian NGOs have had their registrations revoked, and some of their assets seized. He notes that this represents a serious setback to lifesaving operations in Darfur, and urges the Government of Sudan to act urgently to restore these NGOs to their full operational status.
- NGOs affected include Oxfam, Solidarit�s, and Mercy Corps. They were informed today by the Sudan Government Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) that their legal registrations have been revoked, a list of assets must be produced for seizure, and that they must leave North Sudan with immediate effect. The United Nations was notified that officials from the Sudan Government HAC have insisted on accompanying some INGO staff members into their offices and taking lists of assets and staff.
- Affected NGOs are the main providers of life-saving humanitarian services, such as water, food, health and sanitation. Their departure will have an immediate and serious IMPACT on the humanitarian and security situation in North Sudan, especially in Darfur.
UNMIS
The Daily Media Monitoring Report is available at http://www.unmis.org/english/2009Docs/mmr-mar03.pdf.
DOWNING STREET
The morning press briefing from the Prime Minister’s Spokesman had the following about Darfur:
Asked about the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision on whether or not to indict the Sudanese President, the PMS said that we would continue to call on the Government of Sudan to cooperate fully with the ICC. The ICC continued to have our full support for its activities.
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Full transcripts of the daily briefings are available online at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/PressBriefings/ (White House)
http://www.state..gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2009/index.htm (State Department)
http://www.un.org/News/ossg (United Nations)
http://www.unmis.org/english/m-monitoring.htm (UNMIS)
http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/press-briefings (Number 10)
1-800-GENOCIDE
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