The citizens of 21st century have it rather easy compared to their ancestors. Yet not all of the world is at peace. From Iraq and Afghanistan to Sudan, Somalia and Uganda, innocent people are being slaughtered for one reason or another. This great loss of human life is simply unimaginable to an average American teen. But there is a way to make a difference and, with luck, perhaps ease the suffering of less fortunate people.



Several organizations such as Amnesty International, Genocide Intervention, and Human Rights Watch are attempting to spread awareness regarding the crises in Sudan and other areas in order to stop the killing of innocent people.

“The long term goal [that the world has for Sudan] obviously is to achieve a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the conflict by working a comprehensive peace package through each of the rebel factions and the government,” explained Saba. “The short-term goal is to protect civilians in the camps, and specifically, the women and children that are forced to leave the camps in search of firewood, rendering themselves vulnerable to rape.”

Yet humanitarian groups also want to make sure that peace will one day come to Sudan.

“On a political front, the goal is to secure hard line action from the US government and the international community, including the deployment of the third phase of the Kofi Annan Darfur Stability Package which will include an additional 20,000 peacekeepers on the ground,” added Saba.

Amnesty International states that “...we believe that if we each take one small action, collectively, we can end the violence.”

Amnesty International USA has also teamed up with celebrities in order to spread thier message of peace. Musicians such as Green Day have collaborated together to create Instant Karma: the Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. The album features songs, composed by John Lennon but sung by other artists, that promote peace. The album will be available on June 12th and all proceeds will go to Amnesty International’s campaign to aid the Sudanese people and enable them to reconstruct their lives from shambles.

Also, the American Islamic Congress with Amnesty International has helped raise awareness in the Middle East, where civilans are now pressuring the Sudanese government to stop the atrocities occuring. Candlelight vigils have also been organized in order to show support and sympathy to those affected by the conflict in Darfur.

The crisis in Sudan is considered to be one of the first genocides of the 21st century. And while the world started off a new era in a pessimistic way, efforts to help the Sudanese people can improve the unjust situation and bring hope to a hopeless nation.