Call Congress today and demand funding for Darfur peacekeepers!

One phone call will make a huge difference for the people of Darfur. Join thousands of activists from across the country in urging members of Congress to fully fund peacekeepers in Darfur. Our elected officials must know that their constituents care about ending the genocide!

While a new Congress has been elected, the “lame duck” session of Congress (which lasts until the end of the year) must still pass the Foreign Operations appropriations bill for 2007. Even if your representative or senators are leaving office, they will still be in place until the end of the year, and will have the power to either help or hinder this piece of legislation.

Currently, the African Union (AU) is the only force protecting civilians in Darfur. While we need to continue to press for the immediate deployment of UN troops, it is crucial that we support AU peacekeepers now. Congress must ensure at least $60 million more is appropriated for the AU.

Congress will only take this action if they know it is a priority for their constituents. Your voice has the potential to help protect civilians in Darfur. Please call your elected officials. Make a difference for the people in Darfur today.

Talking points for when you call

Having rightfully declared the violence in Darfur to be genocide, the US has a significant responsibility to act to protect innocent Darfurian civilians. One of the most direct ways that Congress can impact the situation on the ground is through appropriations (or spending) for peacekeepers. The African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) has been plagued by inadequate equipment, supplies, and technology, and is in desperate need of financial support.

Before the end of the year, Congress must pass the Foreign Operations appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007. Currently, this bill only gives AMIS enough funds to sustain them until January. To effectively protect civilians, the peacekeepers must receive more money. Based on estimates from the State Department, the AU needs at least $10 million per month from the US for the six months until more money can be requested in July. Join activists around the country — call your members of Congress and request (1) at least $60 million more for AU peacekeeping in Darfur, and (2) give the State Department the ability to transfer those funds to a UN force.

Use these to prepare for your call. It is important to make your call as individualized as possible. Members of Congress are most likely to respond to personal messages. Try to not read directly from these talking points.

• Explain that you are a constituent and tell them which part of the state you are from.
• Ask for the legislative aide who handles foreign affairs. (To find this person’s name, click here, enter your zip code in the box you will see on the top left side of the screen, click on the legislator you want to contact, and then click on the “staff members” tab.) If s/he is not available, leave a message with the person who answers the phone.
• The only force on the ground now is the African Union Mission in Sudan. They need more money to be able to protect innocent civilians.
• Please support at least an additional $60 million in the Foreign Operations appropriations bill for African Union peacekeeping in Darfur in fiscal year 2007.
• Please also give the State Department the authority to transfer those funds to the UN account when a UN deployment to Darfur occurs.

Thank you for your work on this vital issue!