[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              DARFUR PEACE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2006

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                               speech of

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this important 
legislation, H.R. 3127, strengthening sanctions on individuals and 
governments seen as responsible for the atrocities in the Darfur region 
of Sudan, and authorizing additional funds for peacekeeping and 
humanitarian efforts in the region.
  After more than 3 years of conflict, between 300,000 and 400,000 
innocent and impoverished civilians have died from government-sponsored 
violence, disease and starvation because of war, and more than 2 
million people have fled their homes to internal camps and neighboring 
Chad.
  Despite international condemnation of the Sudanese government, 
genocide and ethnic cleansing continue unabated.
  What is keeping the United States and the international community 
from intervening meaningfully to stop this humanitarian crisis? What is 
keeping President Bush from acting with moral clarity and compassion?
  While this Congress continues to slowly legislate on the Darfur 
genocide, the threat of sanctions has done little to end the 
atrocities. This dire crisis requires a much more robust response.
  Our commitment to end the Darfur genocide must be judged by only one 
test: What are we doing that serves to end the killings and the 
suffering?
  The aim should be to end the genocide, disarm the Arab militias, 
guarantee humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, secure the 
refugee camps, and provide safety to families returning to their 
villages.
  Military experts have estimated that these tasks will require 40,000 
to 50,000 well-trained and equipped troops. We also have new and 
innovative technologies that could protect civilians. If we are serious 
about dealing with this most pressing human rights catastrophe, then we 
must pressure the Bush Administration and the international community 
to do all that is needed to stop the genocide in Darfur.
  I call for less political maneuvering, and more real action.
  Over three years have passed. Out of an estimated pre-conflict 
population of 7 million in Darfur, somewhere between 300,000 and 
400,000 innocent civilians have died.
  What are we waiting for? For the Sudanese government and the Arab 
militias to finish what they have started?
  I I support this bill, yet I urge my colleagues to support an 
international peacekeeping mission authorized to use force to protect 
civilians and disarm the Janjaweed--one with an adequate mandate, and 
well-trained and equipped soldiers.

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