Why The World Needs To Arrest Omar Al-Bashir

Charged with orchestrating the genocide in Darfur, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir remains a free man. Violence continues in Darfur, and other regions of Sudan. It's time the world took action. March 4th marks the 5th anniversary of Bashir's arrest warrant. We must enforce the warrant to send a message to other leaders that crimes such as these will not be tolerated.

Meet the man who stands accused of genocide (and then demand his arrest)

Via i.cdn.turner.com

No, don't wave back!

Omar al-Bashir became President of Sudan through a military coup in 1989. He's still there. We'll do the math for you, that's 25 years. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

Remember Darfur?

Via unitedhumanrights.org

In case you don't, the genocide in Darfur began in 2003. Bashir has been in power in Sudan since 1989. The ICC accused Bashir of orchestrating the genocide in Darfur.

Via worldwithoutgenocide.org

Bashir orchestrated the genocide in Darfur, which began more than 11 years ago when the Sudanese Armed Forces and its allied Janjaweed militias launched a scorched earth campaign against the civilian population.

Since 2003, over 3 million people have been displaced and many are still unable to return to their homes. More than 300,000 have been reported killed and thousands of villages are estimated to be destroyed.

The fighting did not discriminate based on age. Hear El-Fadel Arbab's story of being attacked by the Janjaweed at just 12 years of age and escaping. He calls himself "one of the lucky ones".

Via eastchestermhs.wikispaces.com

The infamous Janjaweed (roughly translates to "Devil on horseback") attacked villages, burning them to the ground. Many people fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring Chad. Rape was used as a weapon of war and women and girls were terrorized daily.

Wait, isn't Darfur over with?

Via salo.org.za

Far from over.

The violence continues in Darfur, and has quickly deteriorated as humanitarian aid agencies have been denied access to affected areas.

With humanitarian aid cut off, there is concern of a food shortage. As Radio Dabanga reports, 4 million face a food emergency. This crisis is further exacerbated by the growing number of refugees from South Sudan.

According to the United Nations Office of Coordinated Humanitarian Affairs, there is still a dire humanitarian crisis. There are 1.4 million people still living in internally displaced camps.

Bashir's Policies Incite Sudanese Protests

Via gdb.voanews.com

Faced with a cut in fuel subsidies, many people in Khartoum took to the streets to peacefully protest the economic conditions. Bashir and his government reacted by censoring newspapers, blocking internet access, and arresting opposition voices.

Can we also talk about Sudan's press freedom? Because there is none. According to the Press Freedom Index of 2013, Sudan ranks 172nd out of the 180 countries analyzed for continually censoring publications and social media, and abusing journalists.

Bashir Bombs Civilians

Via salo.org.za

The government sponsored violence continues in areas in Southern Sudan including South Kordofan and Blue Nile State (pictured in the map above). Most recently the Air Force has used parachute bombs to terrorize citizens in the Nuba Mountains, an area of South Kordofan.

Why didn't the international community take action?

They did.

In 2005, the United Nations Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court. Bashir was accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Later in 2010, the charge of genocide was added to the arrest warrant. Pretty much this means that countries that are members of the ICC (not the US or Sudan) are supposed to arrest him if he enters the country.

Despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant these countries have let Bashir in freely

They are: Chad, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, & South Sudan.

It's time to stop Bashir and bring him to justice

thelondoneveningpost.com

Omar al-Bashir has enjoyed impunity for too long. He's been able to travel to countries without arrest despite several arrest warrants. Stand beside the people of Darfur, and the rest of Sudan and take action to show the world that crimes such as genocide, and crimes against humanity will not be tolerated.

There are several things you can do:

Urge your representative to co-sponsor the important Sudan Peace, Security, and Accountability Act.

Tell the countries (listed above) who let Bashir in that this is not acceptable. Sign this petition to tell these countries that next time, they should make the arrest.

Stay informed, visit the Bashir Watch website to learn more.

Imagine if Bashir were arrested...

Via onlylolgifs.net