Today I have witnessed a rare event, a miracle even. Harvard University students, mostly from Kennedy School of Government, awoke from slumber and instead of thinking what kind of a juicy position will they land after they graduate, they put their energy behind organizing to stop genocide in Darfur. As a result of their pressure Harvard University today divested from PetroChina, whose parent company is closely tied to the Sudanese government, accused by the United States of waging a genocidal campaign to suppress rebels in Darfur. (We shall not get into discussion about U.S. government not acting upon pronouncing the events in Darfur genocidal, thus rendering the term 'genocide' a mere judicial term instead of a call for action...).
More importantly, HU students also joined Swarthmore College students in an initiative Genocide Intervention Fund.
This fund is different from aid groups and other non-governmental organizations in the area. It is set to directly support the African Union troops that are already on the ground in Darfur or are ready to deploy, but lack necessary resources. AU troops, albeit with their own imperfections, are now the only tangible way to stop killing, mass rape and torture in Darfur. Many African countries have the 'horsepower' and are willing to send regiments immediately, if resources were available. They aren't.
U.S. is spending $2.3 million in Iraq per day, yet is currently deciding to cut the peacekeeping budget by 2% (bill is in the Senate). UN is not sending troops to Sudan. Nor is NATO, or any non-African country. AU is all we've got. Realizing that it is taking too long to get money from developed countries, GIF is supplementing what governments should be doing and hopes that it will shame them to provide assistance more rapidly and more adequately.
Tomorrow is the 11th anniversary from the beginning of genocide in Rwanda. One million people died in a span of 100 days. GIF is starting a 100 days of action, during which it is hoping to raise one million USD and send out one hundred thousand letters to Congress representatives, U.S. administration, government leaders of the world. I have just parted with and equivalent of a few nice pairs of shoes (and I love shoes dearly). Tomorrow is the STANDfast day: give up one purchase you would normally make and donate that money to GIF or other organization working in Darfur (umm, except the Sudanese government or Janjaweed militia, mind you). You can send donations and learn about other things to do on their website (www.genocideinterventionfund.org). I sound as if they were paying me, but it's quite the opposite.
Read more in an article about GIF in today's Boston Globe
Adopt a peacekeeper