The Darfur Conflict: What Needs to be Done

Since 2003, over 200,000 lives have been taken, while 2.5 million have been displaced in the conflict occurring in Darfur, Sudan. After knowing the figures behind the atrocious situation happening in this region, a simple question is brought to mind-What needs to be done? This answer is not as simple as it sounds, for there are several views on ending the conflict. Some wish to end the conflict peacefully, while others demand an end by any means necessary-violent or not. With such differing views, the answer to the ending the Darfur conflict is obscure. However, one thing that everyone can agree on is immediate change, and regardless of differing ideas, the intentions behind saving Darfur are positive. So whether the change for this area is made through a direct or passive approach, the essential basics needed, despite conflicting ideas, are awareness, quick action, and contributions.

One of the primary reasons for the escalation and the severity of the genocide plaguing Darfur, was simply lack of awareness. People in the world were not necessarily indifferent to the situation, they were simply uninformed. So while the world went on about its normal life, a dire conflict was growing into to what it has become today: A massacre of thousands of innocent lives. For this reason, awareness is a first and essential step to restore Darfur’s conditions. Education about the problem sparks opinions, and eventually offers solutions. One non-profit organization in particular, Invisible Children Inc., provides this education to a broad audience: students. With their high school tour across America, “Invisible Children, Inc.’s goal is to holistically provide quality education … while empowering youth in America to use their voice for action” (Invisible Children). People will not feel compelled to take action, when they are unaware that a problem exists in the first place. Another organization dedicated to humanitarian rights and Darfur awareness is Amnesty International, with more than 1.8 million members, supporters and subscribers in over 150 countries (Amnesty International). One branch of Amnesty International members, located in Oklahoma State University, has Darfur awareness as their top priority. President of the group, Katy Ellington, stated that the OSU group, “plans to have an art show, a film festival and a music festival to increase awareness of Amnesty International and the Darfur conflict” (Bolton). Students aware of the crisis in Sudan are beginning to use their knowledge to inform others, and are even taking action. This action is the second, and equally important step in restoring peace to Darfur.