Helping Sudanese Slaves

Dear President Bush:

We are a group of students from a Global Experience class at Elon University. Recently, our discussions and readings have centered on slavery and genocide in Sudan, specifically the Darfur region.

Our freshman class common reading was the autobiography, Escape from Slavery, written by former slave Francis Bok, whom you met in 2002 at the signing ceremony for the Sudan Peace Act. When he spoke at our campus last week, Mr. Bok encouraged us students to become active in ending slavery.

We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Darfur. We have watched with growing anxiety and dismay as our government failed to respond adequately to what was described as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Then, after the Congress, the Senate, and the President identified these atrocities as genocide, we failed to stop them.

As educated students intent on making a difference, we call on you with great urgency to take whatever measures are necessary to stop the violence. The stories coming out of Darfur are heartbreaking, but as Americans we have the means to put an end to it. We call on you to use our tremendous power and moral authority to create safety for the innocent men, women, and children, and to provide:

Security - an immediate end by the Sudanese government of the violence and the manipulative practices by which it is affecting the genocide.

Accountability- holding the Sudanese government officials and proxy forces responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable for their crimes.

Humanitarian Relief - sufficient aid to meet the basic needs of refugees and the displaced.

Safe Return- establishment of conditions that allow the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of individuals to their homes and villages.

You lead the most powerful nation in history. Your constituents want you to end the genocide and create the conditions for peace in Darfur.

We are counting on you to give life to the words you spoke in your inaugural address:

"America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause… All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppressions, or excuse your oppressors."

Please take actions today, and tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that, if necessary, to meet our shared moral obligation.

Sincerely,

The Fall 2005 Global Experience Class of Elon University, NC