Motherland Report: 60,000 civilians forced to flee Abyei

Demand a U.N. investigation into the violence in Abyei Over 60,000 civilians have been displaced, their homes destroyed and their businesses looted. Tell Ambassador Rice to call for a U.N. investigation into violence in Abyei and strengthen the existing U.N. sanctions. Dear Africans, We watched in horror last week as the Sudanese Army attacked the disputed border state of Abyei, forcing over 60,000 innocent civilians to flee. Northern allied militias then looted and burned the villagers' homes and businesses along with the offices of humanitarian organizations many rely on to survive. U.N. officials have already warned that the Sudanese government may be attempting to "ethnically cleanse" the area. The violence directed from Khartoum has not only reignited the possibility of a civil war but has also created a new humanitarian crisis in Sudan. There must be consequences for the violence orchestrated by the Sudanese Government – the international community must demonstrate that actions endangering peace will not be tolerated. Tell U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to call for an investigation into the violence in Abyei and hold the perpetrators responsible. An investigation led by the United Nations is essential to determine who is responsible for the violence and widespread looting of humanitarian aid. If the investigation finds evidence of war crimes or crimes against humanity, the U.N. Security Council must immediately refer those responsible to International Criminal Court. Alarmingly, the Sudanese Army is threatening even more large-scale military assaults in neighboring Blue Nile and South Kordofan State. These are clear violations of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and threaten the peaceful separation of South Sudan, scheduled for July 9th. The United Nations must respond to Khartoum's provocations with meaningful penalties. Demand justice for civilians now. Tell Ambassador Rice to lead the call for a U.N. investigation and additional sanctions against Sudan's government. Thank you for taking action today – we'll keep you updated as this volatile situation progresses. Sincerely, Angela Deane Save Darfur Coalition The Save Darfur Coalition — an alliance of more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights organizations — raises public awareness about the ongoing crisis in Darfur and mobilizes a unified response to promote peace throughout the Darfur region and all of Sudan. The coalition's member organizations represent 130 million people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations united together to help the people of Sudan. Please join the movement at http://www.savedarfur.org.