The violence in Darfur has received significant attention from humanitarian and advocacy groups around the world. Unfortunately, the United States government has stayed largely removed from the conflict, allowing genocide to continue without immediate and urgent action. The Darfur Peace and Accountability Act is one move toward ending the conflict in Sudan, though it needs your support to pass Congress.

Both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have passed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, though their two separate versions of the bill require further conference before it can be enacted. HR 3127 and S 1462 stipulate a stronger African Union (AU) mission and sanctions against individuals who have perpetrated the genocide. A Presidential Envoy for Sudan is also recommended, along with a refusal to allow Sudanese cargo ships or oil tankers into U.S. ports.

The two versions vary only slightly, and in the fall of last year, it was thought that the bill would be easily enacted after a short consultation from both sides. Sadly, the bill has stalled in Congress without any foreseeable passage. Please contact your representatives to thank them for voting in favor of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act but that you are disappointed at the lack of urgency in passing this bill. The escalating crisis in Darfur needs immediate attention – tell your representatives that you expect them to stand up against genocide.

 Read the HR 3127 text here .

Read the S 1462 text here .