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B’nai Brith urges international community to act “swiftly and decisively” to end atrocities in SudanPosted On 08/06/04
B’nai Brith urges international community to act “swiftly and decisively” to end atrocities in Sudan
Toronto, August 4, 2004
For Immediate Release
TORONTO — B’nai Brith Canada, the Jewish community’s foremost human rights organization, strongly urges the Canadian government to take a leading role in organizing an effective coalition that will act swiftly and decisively to end the atrocities in Sudan.
“We have been monitoring with deep concern the terrible suffering that is being inflicted by the Arab-controlled government and rogue militias against the non-Arab black African majority of Sudan,” said B’nai Brith Canada’s Executive Vice-President Frank Dimant. “This is an example of Arab racism at its worst. For years, Sudan’s Christian population has been the focus of persecution and attack, while the world remained silent. The ethnic cleansing of non-Arabs in this country continues unabated, and has now expanded to include Sudan’s other black tribal groups.”
“We welcome Canada’s initiatives to work with key players in the region to bring about an end to these obscene human rights abuses. However, the evolving catastrophe in Sudan requires decisive action. The economic sanctions proposed by the United Nations, and supported by Canada, will not serve the immediate needs of a suffering population. What is drastically needed is a presence on the ground to secure the region and allow for humanitarian aid to reach those desperately in need.”
“B’nai Brith reminds Canada and the international community of the importance of learning history’s lessons,” added Dimant. “As in the case of Rwanda, we must not delay when murderous acts are being perpetrated against a particular ethnic group. The cries for help of the victims of this tragedy must be met with immediate action.”
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For further comment please contact:
Karen Lazar, Media Relations Manager: 416-633-6224 X 140 (office) / 647-999-9835 (cell)
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights organization.
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