Supporting Darfur at the UN Security Council

As the U.S. assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council, President Bush must confront Sudan about its horrific obstructionist behavior and repeated attacks on the civilians in Darfur.

In 2004, the United States declared the atrocities in Darfur to be genocide. More than 400,000 have been killed and an estimated 2.5 million people have been displaced. Unfortunately, the crisis continues to escalate. Since the start of this year, the regime in Khartoum has carried out a series of attacks on civilians, including aerial bombardments of three West Darfur villages, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. In addition, the Government of Sudan has continued to defy four separate UN Security Council Resolutions.

I strongly believe that the violent acts that have been inflicted upon the innocent people of Darfur must come to an end. No one should be forced to experience this terror. I will continue to stand up for the people living in the Darfur region and work to ensure that President Bush and the United Nations hear their cry and fights to protect Darfurians from these unjust acts.

I recently joined Representative Mike Capuano (MA-D) in sending a letter to Bush urging him to confront Sudan about their horrific actions. 55 bipartisan Members joined us and signed the letter. I hope that President Bush hears our cry and stands up for the victims of Darfur.

Rep. Scott Garrett represents the 5th district of New Jersey.