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.

Being informed of the Darfur conflict in its entirety is of course an essential aspect for restoration, but awareness alone will not suffice. Quick actions must be planned and executed to pick up this fallen country, quick being the key word. As Elie Wiesel, a novelist, political activist and Holocaust survivor, states, “What pains and hurts me most now is the simultaneity of events. While we sit here and discuss how to behave morally, both individually and collectively, over there, in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan, human beings kill and die” (Wiesel). Every moment is vital when it comes to Darfur, and slow planning only means more anguish for victims. For this reason, it is imperative that the Darfur conflict emerges from under the radar, and becomes a top priority in the world. The Save Darfur Coalition is an organization devoted to re-establish order in Darfur, and their online petition urges leaders of the world to take action. David Rubenstein of the coalition declares, “if we can convince Secretary-General Ban and other leaders to make Darfur a priority, we can save hundreds of thousands of lives” (Save Darfur). Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, elected by the United Nations General Assembly, is only one of the many leaders this coalition hopes to inspire. After making the devastation in Darfur a top priority to begin planning solutions, another important question is formed: What specific actions should be taken?

The mandatory steps in the revival of Darfur, is a topic with several different opinions. One approach suggests taking the offense, and cutting off certain resources to the NCP, or National Congress Party, who is currently the governing political party of Sudan. According to the International Crisis Group, an independent, non-profit organization working to prevent deadly conflicts, “The Sudanese government bears primary responsibility for the deteriorating situation. It is still making little effort to stabilize matters, rein in militias or secure roads from bandits and rogue elements” (International Crisis Group). With such an apathetic government in Sudan, this organization plans to force the government to take action. This can be accomplished through applying “targeted sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, to key NCP leaders who have already been identified by UN-sponsored investigations as responsible for atrocities in Darfur”(ICG). Urging the NCP to help, and cutting off the revenue that is funding the war, are what many people hope to be the most effective tactic in ending the conflict. Another strategy that has been suggested is sending UN peacekeeping forces into Sudan. The only problem presented, is that these forces would generally only be deployed with Sudanese consent, otherwise violating Sudan’s wishes. One actress, Mia Farrow, stated in an interview in the capital of Chad, “In the face of such suffering, our moral mandate toward these people eclipses national sovereignty.” (Montesquiou). The decision to obey Sudan’s wishes at the cost of innocent lives ultimately causes the controversy behind the best plan to be executed. In spite of these complex decisions behind ending the crisis, there do happen to be actions that can be made by everyday people, to simply help relieve the distress in Darfur.

Contributions are of the utmost importance when dealing with a situation like Sudan’s. While there are certain acts that can only be carried out by prominent government officials, the simple act of donating can make all the difference for a life in Darfur. Anything can have an impact, whether it be food, water, clothing, or something that shows Sudanese victims that the world cares. Hope and motivation are the main factors keeping these people persisting in spite of their devastating conditions and obstacles. Help Darfur Now, an organization founded by three high school students to raise awareness and money through donations, has accumulated more than $120,000 as of December, 2006 (Help Darfur Now). What started as a small organization is now making a strong and positive difference, all with the help of common people. So while taking action to help Darfur may sound like a daunting task, people must recognize that one of the most influential steps in helping Darfur is simply the concept of generosity and above all, compassion.

The atrocities happening in Sudan will forever hold a devastating place in history. While nothing can be done for the unfortunate lives that have already been lost, hope still remains for those who have persevered through the hardships. What many fail to understand is that the longer these crimes are allowed in Darfur, the more anguish will be created. Fortunately, there are those who do realize this fact, and are trying their best to change the course of Darfur’s future. Although this chapter of history has had an appalling start, the end has not yet been written. This ending can be one filled with the suffering that Darfur has endured since the conflict first began, or it can be one filled with hope and rectitude. It all simply depends on the choices, decisions, and actions of those who hold the pen that writes history-the world.