Most of you have heard of Darfur as somewhere in Sudan where something bad is happening. The reality is that genocide is happening there and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to stop it.

For almost 5 years, the government in Khartoum (the capital) which is led by Arab Muslims, has been executing a genocide on the western region (Darfur) which is occupied by indigenous African Muslims. The genocide is based solely on race and the government troops, aided by militia, are attacking villages, burning houses, raping women and young girls, and torturing and killing people regardless of age and gender. The horrors are unspeakable and indisputable. I have seen images with my own eyes and heard first-hand accounts from survivors, including children's drawings depicting horrors no child should know (I'll list some resources to check out at the bottom). I spent the last year learning about the horrific genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994 and the failure of the western countries to protect and speak for those with no voice. When I learned about what was going on in Darfur, I was appalled. We can NOT say we don't know what is happening because the evidence is there for those who bother to look for it. (http://www.govrecords.org/hconres-467-rfs-declaring-genocide-in-darfur-s...)

I know that situations like these can seem overwhelming and the question "what can I do?" often comes to mind. The truth is, the Canadian government knows what is going on but is doing very little because it does not see the strategic importance of Sudan, nor the political will of the people to help. We must show them there is a will! We are a rich country with many resources and much sway in the international community. We must lead the way to save lives, not because of strategy, but simply because it is the right thing to do. We must speak up! And I want to help you do that.

There is much urgency. The UN has mandated an African force to be deployed on the ground in Sudan to protect the people - and this means lives will be saved. It is not a perfect plan, but for now it is all we have and WE MUST SUPPORT IT! Unfortunately it is at risk of being abandoned due to lack of support by member countries - including Canada! They need countries to donate helicopters to the mission and so far, not one country has stepped forward. The deadline is December 31st so we must act now! (http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unamid/)

If you do anything today, please do this!!!! It could mean life or death for many people! Please follow these simple instructions:

1 - Print out the attached word file addressed to Stephen Harper, sign it, put it in an envelope and pop it in the mail. No stamp is required!

2 - Go to this website: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPost... to find your member of parliament by your postal code. Re-address it to the name of your MP, print it out, sign it and pop it into the mail as well. Leave the address as the House of Commons or change it to your local constituents address. Again, you will not require a stamp!

3 - Spread the word within your circle of influence! Get your friends and family to send letters too. As a united voice we can sway the political will - they are supposed to be our voice after all.

PLEASE don't let this opportunity pass you by. Educate yourself and those around you and show that you care - this is something you CAN do. Don't let genocide occur on our watch! Collectively we can make a difference!

Thanks for your time,
Amy

Want to educate yourself? I recommend these movies:
http://www.thedevilcameonhorseback.com/
http://www.darfurdiaries.org/
http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/02/movies/02darf.html

A few of the many websites and organizations out there:
http://sdcanada.org/
http://www.savedarfur.org/content?splash=yes
http://www.csfdarfur.net/home/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darfur_conflict