What is happening in Darfur?  Now in its fifth year, the tragedy in Darfur continues to worsen. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese have been systematically slaughtered in attacks orchestrated by their own government. Millions more have been displaced and face the prospect of death from disease, starvation or further attacks. There has been a shameful lack of action by the US and the international community to stop the genocide and protect the people of Darfur.  In fact, the UN continues to insist that peacekeepers cannot be deployed without the permission of Sudan's genocidal government.

Why a protection force of at least 44,000?  General Romeo Dallaire, who led a small UN peacekeeping force in Rwanda and made a heroic attempt to warn the world of the impending massacre, estimates that a protection force of at least 44,000 -with a mandate to protect innocent civilians- could stop the cycle of violence in Darfur. (Currently, there are approximately 7000 African Union observers in the region.)

Why contact President Bush?  Speaking pragmatically, President Bush has the capacity to intercede immediately to save lives. And it is our hope that his doing so will compel the international community to act as well.

Will calling every day really make a difference? Yes!  Collectively, if thousands of people contact President Bush every day, we will be able to put this issue on the President's radar screen and increase the urgency with which the Administration approaches Darfur.

Why call the White House switchboard instead of the Comment Line? Ask the switchboard to transfer you to the Comment Line.  While you can call the Comment Line directly at 202-456-1111, we have found that line to often be busy.  It takes a few seconds longer to be transferred from the switchboard, but you are more likely to get through.

Why do I need to register my pledge? Our strength is in numbers. Even if President Bush doesn't acknowledge that he is getting thousands of calls every day, we will be able to document the number of people who have committed to make daily contact.  We can use this information to attract media attention and build the pressure on the President to address the situation.

Do you want President Bush to send U.S. troops?  The situation in Darfur requires an immediate response. If 44,000 UN, NATO or other multi-national troops cannot be deployed right away, then yes, the President should deploy US troops to serve as peacekeepers. We can then work with the international community to diversify the peacekeeping force, while meeting the most immediate needs on the ground in Darfur.

The Darfur situation is complex.  Why are you focused only on a protection force?  People are being systematically slaughtered and displaced. We need to stop the violence before we can address the economic, cultural and religious tensions that have led to fear and insecurity among people on both sides of the conflict.

Why are you doing this? We have become increasingly frustrated and despondent over the lack of will to send an adequate protection force to stop the genocide in Darfur. We simply had to do something. This campaign represents a simple act that everyday people like us can do to make a difference and hopefully save lives.

If I sign the Darfur Pledge, will I get a lot of junk email? No.  The ETHIC respects your privacy.  If you sign the online petition, we will not have access to your email address.  If you email your pledge to DarfurPledge@peacemail.com, we will only use your email address to send you major campaign updates and information.  Most updates will be posted on our website and not sent via email.  Click here to read our full privacy policy.

What is The ETHIC? The ETHIC is an all-volunteer non-profit that promotes peace, nonviolence and compassion toward all beings.

Can I make a donation to support this effort? If you would like to support The ETHIC's work on behalf of Darfur and promoting compassion around the world, you can make a tax-deductible donation at JustGive.org or by mailing your contribution to the address below.  Thank you!