The event will feature special addresses from Martha Hall Findlay, Tarek Fatah and others.

To find out more and to register, please visit http://willtointerveneday.eventbrite.com/

The event will take place in the quadrangle at Trinity College (University of Toronto), 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto, from 2p.m. to 4p.m. on 10 May, followed by a reception with light refreshments. If the weather is uncooperative, the event will take place in Seeley Hall, Trinity College.

The EICC-GeSI Conflict-Free Smelter Assessment Program does just this. The Program is being developed by the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI). The voluntary program acts as an independent third party investigator, tracing the sources of smelters and refineries. The assessment is made be a third party and the Conflict-Free Smelter Audit Review Committee then reviews the findings to decide whether the smelter/refinery has met Conflict-Free Smelter assessment protocol.

Conflict-free does not mean a boycott on minerals sourced in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Sourcing minerals is intended to prevent the indirect funding of the violence in the Congo but still provide revenue for those who rely on mining for their livelihoods. Boycotting Congo minerals altogether only hurts the DRC economy and, more importantly the civilians.

By demanding conflict free products, we are raising our voices as consumers and saying that we do not want to enable rape and murder.  We’re calling for conflict free products and ethical sourcing procedures that do not threaten the livelihood of innocent civilians. That’s why, as we campaign for ethical sourcing, we need to remember that the DRC already has conflict-free minerals.

–

Navdeep Johal is Campaign Director of STAND Canada.

Sources:
Globe and Mail. “Ending trade in conflict minerals trickier than it sounds: analysts.” Accessed April 3, 2012.

The EICC-GeSI Conflict-Free Smelter (CFS) Assessment Program. Accessed April 3, 2012.

Analyst: Sudan and South Sudan Engaged in Unofficial War
Violence between Sudan and South Sudan surged this week when both countries attempted to assert control over the Heglig oilfield, cancelling plans for a summit between these countries’ respective presidents, Omar al Bashir and Slava Kiir. On Thursday, South Sudan accused its northern neighbour of aerial bombing the South Sudanese town of Bentiu. With both countries accusing each other of initiating the current level of violence, which has been at its highest since South Sudan gained independence last year, each side is also vying to defend itself. Magdi El Gizouli, a fellow at the Rift Valley Institute in Kenya, has likened the situation to a smaller version of previous civil warfare between these two regions, maintaining that Sudan and South Sudan are “effectively . . . at war.” On Wednesday, the United Nations officially requested “an immediate de-escalation of the situation… to avoid further bloodshed.”

Sudan Accuses US of Waging “Stealth War”
This week, Sudanese parliamentary speaker Ahmed Ibrahim al-Tahir accused the United States of waging a “stealth war” against Sudan. The accusations surround 15-year-old American economic sanctions against Sudan, which recently contributed to the postponing of the inauguration of a $1 billion sugar plant in White Nile State, as well as American pressuring of Khartoum to allow the international community to provide aid to Sudanese civilians living in war-torn South Kordofan and Blue Nile. He argued that the United States is prohibiting Sudan from progressing as a country and maintained that the Sudanese people would choose food deprivation over loss of dignity.

Sudan Arming Civilians Against Rebels
Civilians in Talodi town claimed to have been provided with guns supplied by Khartoum to aid in fighting against Sudanese rebel groups along the Sudan-South Sudan border. Such civilian soldiers have been suspected by a human rights organization to be committing human rights abuses. This news comes amid speculation that South Sudan is similarly arming its civilians in the event of war and that the rate of South Kordofan refugees entering South Sudan has recently increased 8-fold.

DRC

Kabila Calls for Former Rebel Leader’s ICC Arrest
Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila recently advocated for the arrest of former rebel leader, Bosco Ntaganda, for whom the International Crime Court issued an arrest warrant five years ago for recruitment child soldiers, rape, and murder. Ntaganda, whose current location is unknown, is believed to have as many as 600 defectors with him; any attempt to arrest him will inevitably cause considerable conflict, according to BBC analyst Martin Plaut.

Kabila Suspends Main Military Operation in East Congo
In response to hundreds of recent desertions within the Congolese army, Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has halted military operation Amani Leo in eastern North and South Kivu. Though Amani Leo has been relatively successful in its focus on pursuing members of the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda, many civilians have suffered human rights abuses in association with the operation. A representative for Kabila stated that the decision was meant to keep the well-being of the public in mind; meanwhile, Amani Leo will be re-strategized.

George Clooney Arrested for Protesting Outside of Sudanese Embassy
American movie star George Clooney was arrested outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington, D.C. today, along with his father and others, who assembled to protest against the Sudanese government’s refusal to allow humanitarian food and supplies to reach civilians living in the war-torn Blue Nile Region who are expected to face starvation without immediate assistance. Following his release a few hours later, Clooney gave his two requests– that aid be allowed into “Sudan before it becomes the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, immediately,” and for “the government in Khartoum to stop randomly killing its own innocent men, women, and children.”

Sudanese President Confirms Intentions to Not Seek Re-Election
Sudanese President Omar al Bashir, who has been in power since 1989, has reiterated his plans to turn over the presidential candidacy to another National Congress Party (NCP) member for Sudan’s 2015 federal election. This decision follows pressure from unidentified fellow members of the NCP, including the NCP’s youth sector, on Bashir to step down to facilitate reform within the party. Some NCP members have speculated, however, that the NCP, and not Bashir, will ultimately be responsible for deciding whether or not he will seek re-election.

South Sudan Governor: Tribal Attack Leaves Over 200 Dead
Last week, several Lou Nuer tribes were victims of a three-day attack launched by members of the Murle, a long-time enemy of the Lou Nuer. While the UN has yet to confirm this speculated death toll of 200, the UN estimates that more than 1,000 people were killed in the Jonglei in 2011, mostly in association with fighting between these two tribes.

South Sudan’s Army Signs Anti-Child Soldier Agreement
Though the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army of South Sudan (SPLA) committed to releasing its child soldiers in 2009, Monday marked the SPLA’s first signed agreement with the UN to do so. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, arrived in South Sudan this week and has declared hopes to meet with the Nuer and Murle tribes of the Jongeli state in order to work towards a similar understanding with these communities.

DRC

ICC Prosecutor Will Seek Maximum Sentence for Convicted Congo Warlord
The International Crime Court declared its first verdict this week in its 10 years of existence– Thomas Lubanga was found guilty of harboring child soldiers in Congo from 2002 to 2003. ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo referred to the verdict as a “victory for humanity” and disclosed that he will be recommending a sentence “close to the maximum”: 30 years or life in prison. Lubanga will be sentenced later this year. Moreno-Ocampo has also declared plans to compound the indictment of Bosco Ntaganda, a former commander of Lubanga who is wanted by the ICC for recruiting and using child soldiers, with accusations of murder and rape. Ntaganda currently remains in Congo, maintaining his position of army general.

Congo Slowing Search for Joseph Kony and Rebel Army, Says Ugandan Government
The hunt for Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army and wanted person of the International Crime Court (ICC), has been impeded by territorial restrictions imposed by the Congolese government, says Ugandan government official Fred Opolot. The UN estimates that Kony’s army has launched twenty raids in northeastern Congo is the past half-year, resulting in 10 fatalities and the displacement of 3,000 individuals. The United States has provided Uganda with military advisors to pursue Kony, whose official charges by the ICC include war crimes and crimes and several crimes against humanity– “murder, sexual slavery, and abusing children.”

SUDAN & SOUTH SUDAN

New Ethnic Clashes in South Sudan Claim 57 Lives
On January 11, about 60 Murle fighters massacred 57 Lou Nuer civilians in northern Jonglei state in response to deadly attacks launched by Lou Nuer fighters the previous week. In addition to the fatalities that were comprised of mostly Murle women and children, 53 were left wounded and over 20,000 cattle were stolen from the Lou Nuer villages. With an estimated 60,000 people in danger as a result of this ongoing ethnic conflict, the UN is preparing an emergency aid mission.

Obama Declares South Sudan Eligible for Receiving Weaponry
In light of South Sudan’s vulnerability to air raids that have been reportedly mediated by the Sudan Air Force, U.S. President Barack Obama has declared that providing South Sudan with defensive weaponry would “strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.” This statement, however, does not confirm any actual plans for an exchange. The Sudan Tribune has also speculated that the United States is likely wary of supplying weaponry to a country that is currently marred by its own ethnic conflict.

Sudan Offers to Help Libya Disarm Rebels
Sudanese President Omar al Bashir recently visited Libya to express his gratitude for the removal of its former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, who had previously accused him of supporting rebels in Darfur. In an effort to renew friendly ties with Libya, he also expressed Sudan’s willingness help disarm residual anti-Gaddafi rebel groups. To the alarm of many human rights groups, this visit marks yet another missed opportunity to incarcerate al Bashir, who is wanted by the International Crime Court for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes relating to the recent conflict in Darfur.

International Aid Block Risks Famine in Southern Kordofan
On Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, officially claimed that Khartoum’s strict stance against international aid groups has negatively affected civilians of war-torn Southern Kordofan to the extent that without intervention, mass starvation is projected to take place in a matter of months.

DRC

Four Rwandan Military Officers Arrested Over Congo Conflict Minerals
Following an investigation surrounding suspected conflict mineral dealings with civilians inhabiting eastern Congo, Rwandan officials have arrested four top military officers and placed them under house arrest. This move follows unsuccessful legislative efforts by the American government to resist importing products made from resources that were smuggled out of the DRC to ultimately fund local militia groups, such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the alleged perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Election Re-Evaluation Request by Congo’s Bishops
The DRC’s exceedingly influential Catholic Church has officially called on the nation’s electoral committee to re-evaluate the results of the much-disputed federal election that gave victory to incumbent President Joseph Kabila over opposition hopeful, Etienne Tshisekedi. Following several claims of electoral rigging by the international community, thirty-five bishops issued a statement requesting that the commission “correct serious errors that have damaged people’s trust in this institution, and if not, to resign.” This federal election was the first to be internally-facilitated in the DRC’s 51 years of existence.

Sudan & South Sudan

UN Says 2.7 Million South Sudanese Will Need food aid in 2012

Around 2.7 million people in Africa’s newest nation will need aid in the New Year due to crop failures and violence. Although South Sudan won independence in July, the new nation has been struggling to end tribal and rebel violence, overcome an economic crisis, and build up state institutions. The country imports food from Sudan but border trade has been hard due to armed clashes. There has been an influx in the population due to people fleeing from northern border states where Khartoum’s army has been fighting with insurgents and South Sudanese returning home due to the independence. Erratic rains have caused food prices to shoot upwards and have made it even harder for the young nation to feed the country of 8.3 million.

Activists warn of “genocide” in the Jonglei State

Round table discussions on the Luo Nuer and Murie conflicts in Juba organized by Minority Rights Group International and Boma Development Initiative warned there could be an outbreak of “genocide” in the Southern Sudan region. It could be sparked by a lack of political action to resolve the conflict between the Luo Nuer and Murle communities. The weakness is blamed on the judiciary system. The groups called for empowerment of local government so they can handle community disputes. According to Jonglei state officials at least 3,000 people have been killed in 2011 in the ongoing inter-ethnic conflict. The UN Office for the Coordination in contrast reported that around 2,500 were killed in 2009 due to violent conflicts throughout the whole of South Sudan.

Sudan risks unrest due to inflation

Sudan is in the midst of an economic crisis that could provoke protests against President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. According to Sadeq al-Mahdi, head of the Umma Party, the country’s largest opposition party, inflation could lead to unrest like it had in Syria. The African country has avoided a large revolution but there has been small anti-government demonstrations in Khartoum and the underdeveloped east that are inspired by the mass protests in the Middle East. They have been focused on inflation. Bashir has been battling an economic crisis since South Sudan took away much of the nation’s oil thus making imports more expensive.

DRC

 Congo Opposition Leader Declares Himself the Election Winner and Urges Calm

Despite placing second in the official election results, Congo’s opposition leader, Etienne Tshiseked says he is the winner of the presidential election. However, the country’s supreme court upheld President Joseph Kabila’s victory, despite concerns about irregularities from the international community. Observes fear unrest and possible civil war if Tshisekedi orders his supporters to take to the streets. Tshisekedi, according to the results, received 32 per cent of the nearly 19 million votes cast and is very popular with the country’s impoverished masses. Kabila received 49 per cent.

 ICC orders release of Congo war crimes suspect

A Rwandan rebel leader, Callixte Mbarushimana, who was sent to the International Criminal Court to face charges including torture, rape, and murder in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is to be freed because of lack of evidence. Mbarushimana is described as a senior leader of the Democratic Forces of the Liberation of Rwanda or FDLR. The leaders fled to Congo after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the group played a major role in the DRC’s 1998-2003 conflict that left 5 million people dead. Mbarushimana was detained in Paris last year and was charged with eight counts of war crimes and five counts of crimes against humanity. This was after investigations, lead by Germany, Congo, Rwanda, France and the ICC , over allegations that the FDLR were involved in rapes in Congo’s North Kivu province.

SUDAN & SOUTH SUDAN

Kenya-Sudan Ties Amended Following Retraction of Nairobi Court Order to Arrest al Bashir

In an effort to preserve Kenya-Sudan trade and prevent the expulsion of all Kenyans from Sudan, Nairobi has lifted a court order made earlier this week to apprehend Sudanese President Omar al Bashir on behalf of the International Crime Court if he were to enter Kenya.

 Sudan and South Sudan’s Request to Join EAC Rejected and Deferred, Respectively

The East Africa Community has declined Sudan’s bid to join the organization currently including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, citing lack its lack of democracy, respect for women, and shared borders. The EAC is requiring more time to evaluate South Sudan’s compliance with “good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice.”

 Sudan Stealing Oil, Says South Sudan

South Sudan, which must export oil to Sudan because of its own lack of ports or refineries, has accused Sudan of stealing oil while the two countries dispute over profit allocations.

ICC Seeks Arrest of Sudanese Defense Minister

STAND Canada’s November 20 Biweekly Update presented speculation that the International Crime Court would be issuing a warrant of arrest against Abdel Rahim Muhammad Hussein. This story was confirmed by the ICC on Friday, accusing Hussein of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

DRC

Preliminary Vote Count Shows Incumbent President Ahead

After extending the elections to three days to allow for proper ballot distribution throughout the Congo, the election commission has tallied approximately 15% of the votes thus far and disclosed that Joseph Kabila is leading with 52% of the vote, followed by leading opposition candidate, Etienne Tshisekedi, with 34%. Human Rights Watch has cited pro-Kabila military groups as being mostly responsible for the escalated election-associated violence that has left 18 dead and seriously wounded at least 100.

African Observers Declare Elections “Successful,” Despite Calls for Annulment by Opposition

Though four of the ten opposition presidential candidates have called for a cancellation of this week’s election on account of pre-marked ballots and other forms rigging, five observer groups have declared the voting process legitimate. These groups did, however, acknowledge setbacks pertaining to timely ballot distribution that were reportedly remedied by extending the election period. Leading opposition candidate, Etienne Tshisekedi, has not contributed to the recommendation for election annulment.

Sudan & South Sudan

Rebel Groups Form Alliance Against Khartoum

In an effort to overthrow the Sudanese government, four rebel groups– Sudan Revolutionary Front consists of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, Justice and Equality Movement, Sudan Liberation Army-Abdel Wahid and Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minnawi– have joined together to form the Sudan Revolutionary front. Though political analysts have recognized this force as being relatively weak, the Sudanese government has reinstated its pleas to South Sudan to stop supporting such opposition forces.

Article: http://presstv.com/detail/210684.html

ICC to Seek Arrest Warrant for Defense Minister of Sudan

The Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV has reported that the International Crime Court is planning to release a warrant of arrest for Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein for allegations that have not yet been disclosed. This move, which is yet to be confirmed by the ICC, would be the fourth outstanding arrest warrant for a Sudanese official.

Article: http://www.sudantribune.com/ICC-prosecutor-to-request-arrest,40731

Sudanese UN Ambassador Said to Have “Blatantly Lied” about Aerial Bombing

Following Sudanese Ambassador Daffia-Alla Elhag Ali Osman’s claims that Sudan did not wage an aerial  bombardment on South Sudan,  American U.N. Ambassador, Susan Rice, strongly expressed her belief to the contrary.  According to the U.N. Peacekeeping Chief, South Sudan has been the target of at least two aerial bombings.

Article:http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19315653

N.B.: This article incorrectly identifies Susan Rice as the United Nations’ U.N. Ambassador, rather than the American U.N. Ambassador.

Amnesty International Accuses Sudan of Torturing Protestors

In a recently issued statement, Amnesty International claims that detainment of opposition activists has included torture tactics as well as violence against youth and the mentally ill.

Article: http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Sudan-torturing-activists-Amnesty-Int-20111112

DRC

Opposition Presidential Candidate Orders Jailbreaks

Prior to any elections, Etienne Tshisekedi has declared himself president and urged all of his supporters who have been arrested during opposition rallies to stage escapes from jail. Information These statements could be considered treason, according to Information Minister Lambert Mende.

Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/congo-opposition-leader-declares-himself-president-tells-supporters-to-stage-jailbreaks/2011/11/12/gIQAbSTaEN_story.html

Elections Catch Up

Check out BBC’s Q&A concerning the DRC’s upcoming federal elections on November 28.

Article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15694912

Last month, 16 countries came before the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review. This exercise is a process where human rights records of UN member states are examined. Each state gets to talk about how they have worked to improve human rights situations in their country and fulfill their human rights obligations. Every country receives an equal review.

One of the states evaluated was Sudan, whose government has shown little interest in promoting human rights among citizens. There have been predictions that after the South’s secession on July 9, the human rights situation in northern Sudan will only deteriorate.

Protests in the North have been met with arrests, detainments, torture, and sexual assault. Violence in Darfur by the Sudanese army back in December targeted civilians. President Bashir has said that he wants Sudan to be an Islamic State that adheres to Sharia law instead of the religious and ethnically diverse country it is now. This could lead to more tension.

The review was a chance for the United Nations to warn that the international community will continue to monitor and demand improvements regarding human rights in both the North and South Sudan.

It was also a chance to question and pressure the two Sudanese governments on its future decisions for the two countries. These decisions will have a huge impact for the citizens of both countries especially in terms of a post-secession citizen policy and constitutional review. Minorities should be included and basic freedoms and rights should be ensured for all citizens.

On May 10, the review started off with an introductory summary of the country.  Because of South Sudan’s autonomy, the report was divided into two. There was a remark on the signed peace security agreement regarding the situation in Darfur. Also mentioned was the fact electoral laws have been strengthened as women are being allowed to participate in elections. Children’s rights have improved as well.

Then there was a discussion among member states and observer states. The positive achievements in Sudan were recognized including multi-party elections last year and the establishment of institutions. These included the Human Rights Commission, the Constitutional Court, and the Advisory Council on Human Rights.

Other positive achievements were efforts to achieve a peace agreement, organizing a referendum and the promotion of free and compulsory education for all citizens.

However, there were areas of concern. These included discrimination against women, the use of the death penalty and torture, media censorship, the arrests of human rights activitists and journalists, sexual and gender based violence, and perhaps the two with the most attention, human rights violations and the conflict in Darfur.

Other states wanted to know what measures Sudan was taking to ensure ethnic and religious minorities do not face discrimination.

With all these issues and questions brought to light, countries suggested steps for Sudan to take. Ones that stood out were to promote freedom of religion, establish a national human rights institution, suspend the death penalty, protect journalists and human rights activist against violence and eradicate female mutilation. They also called Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal Court. Building a lasting peace in Darfur was also on the list.

Sudan’s response to the issues and recommendations was defensive. It responded by saying a National Human Rights Committee is being completed and the government is discussing human rights in Sudan with international organizations and local institutions. There is press freedom, an advisor will monitor the situation of detained people, and a law for children protects their rights. A unit has been created to protect women and children against violence.

The issue of the death penalty was less agreeable. Sudan responded by saying it had reservations with the elimination of the death penalty as a person is only sentenced to death when they have committed a very high level of treason. In the eyes of Sudan’s government, it is a suitable form of punishment and has appropriate boundaries.

Regarding peace in Darfur, Sudan responded by saying it is a joint effort by different parties

So the international community did take the opportunity to suggest improvements for human rights in Sudan. The community also did well by addressing its concerns surrounding the new Constitution. Sudan pointed out that minorities are involved in the new draft and the Bill of Rights is incorporated in Southern Sudan’s constitution.

These issues regarding human rights and the constitution are important. Both the Sudanese and the South Sudanese governments should be monitored on their response to the recommendations and how they draft the new constitution. How the two countries handle human rights and citizenship with the creation of South Sudan could determine conflict in either state. Conflict can arise, as it has in the past with Sudan, when political, cultural, or religious rights are revoked from one group for the benefit of another.

–

Alexa Huffman is a regular contributor to the STAND  Canada Blog.

“You have the power to change the world.”

We, as young people, hear that phrase all the time from our parents, teachers and mentors.

Most of you probably shrug off the notion – sure, you could probably help improve the lives of the people around you by volunteering at a food bank or donating your used clothes to the Salvation Army, but no one person could possibly positively affect people around the world.

Well, I’m writing this blog to tell you that actually, you already have a very powerful and effective tool in front of you; one that you use every day, and one that has the ability to change lives. It’s a little phenomenon us communication nerds call “social media.”

Before you roll your eyes, think about it for a second: Facebook boasts more than 500 million users, and approximately 145 million people have a Twitter account.

The entire world communicates via social media, meaning all it takes is one game-changing Tweet to set off a chain reaction of education and awareness.

Remember when news of Gordon Lightfoot’s death went viral earlier this year? Turns out he is still very much alive – but one Tweet to the contrary caused millions of people to think otherwise.

While these fast-spreading stories are often sensationalized lies, the sad truth is that the true stories you could write about the situation in Darfur are devastating enough to turn heads in an instant.

Think about how many people you could reach by telling your Facebook friends and your Twitter followers about who you are supporting for our Stand For The Dead campaign? See how many shocked comments you get when you post that more than 4.5 million people in the Sudan have been negatively affected by the crisis. See how many eyes you’ll open by Tweeting that people halfway around the world are dealing with a mass genocide – something which us young people affiliate with our grandparents’ generation.

Imagine how fast you could educate your peers if every one of your followers re-posted your messages? Think about how many people would learn about the situation in Darfur, simply because you pressed “Share.”

Still think you can’t change the world?

–

Lisa Pires is the Communications Director of Stand Canada.