PHR Action Center

November 25, 2009, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Please join PHR in urging the US government to support survivors of sexual and gender based violence in Darfur.

PHR's report Nowhere to Turn has documented the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and its horrific impact on Darfuri women. In October, we sponsored a Congressional briefing on this issue which included testimony from PHR's investigative team.

Your senators and representative, who will play a significant role in implementing a new Sudan plan, heard from these front-line human rights defenders last month. They need to hear TODAY about your human rights concerns for the women of Darfur.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Every day, Darfuri women are subjected to sexual and gender based violence, both in Sudan and in refugee camps in Chad. Following the expulsion of 13 international aid agencies from Darfur in March 2009, support services and treatment have been virtually eradicated for women and girls who survive rape and sexual violence. These services include emergency assistance for injuries, documentation of injuries sustained during these brutal attacks, access to HIV/AIDS prophylactic treatment, pregnancy testing, and psychological and social support.

The Obama administration must make restoration of these programs an urgent priority. The US is the primary donor to the humanitarian operations in Darfur. The Obama Administration's new policy of engagement with the Sudanese government now presents the opportunity to ensure that sexual and gender-based violence (SGV) services are provided to survivors in Darfur, and across the Sudan-Chad border in eastern Chad.

The ongoing danger of rape and sexual violence facing women and girls in Darfur and eastern Chad necessitates both protection and treatment services for the displaced Darfuri populations. As the US Congress implements the Sudan policy, I urge you to make sure ending gender-based violence and supporting survivors are paramount in US policy and programming.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 23, 2009