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Overseas mission: Fighting genocide

'If the killings stop, my crying will stop'

REBECCA DUBE

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:30 AM EST 21/01/08

Debbie Bodkin spends her holidays interviewing Sudanese refugees. And she won't stop until the genocide ends. ...Read the full article

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  1. Chris Edwards from Greater Sudbury, Canada writes: Thank you.
  2. Delia Fagundes from Canada writes: On a break from applying to grad school, where I wish to study the genocide in Darfur, I decided to read your article. It invoked a flood of emotion and reminded me of the day I sorted through a pile of applications from refugee students wishing to study at the University of Toronto. The university sponsors students through the World University Service of Canada to study at unversities around the country. There were very few women among the applicants so we decided to choose a women from the Sudan. Her life and her story had such an impact on me that, five years on, she is still inspiring me to action. Thank-you for your story. I hope to attend a lecture in the near future.
  3. kevin o'connor from Toronto, Canada writes: Great Article, I've been to Darfur for 7 months as a physician with an NGO and have seen the horrors first hand. The sad truth is that we have turned away from this genocide; and not just our government or the UN or geroge bush, but We, ordinary people who could put the pressure on our governments to act but we don't, and are thus as guilty as them for the inaction in Darfur to stop yet another genocide. People will say i'm pious or that i'm a naive liberal or use this discussion to bring out their own hobby horses ('you hippocrite, you want us in darfur but not in afganistan or iraq' when in fact i've mentioned neither) but what i say is simply the truth. Major diplomatic and economic pressure on sudan and china, along with a robust peacemaking force numbering in the 10s of thousands deployed early in fthe conflict, would have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths. If you wonder what people were thinking when jews were being obviously brutally discriminated against in Germany, but did nothing, even went so far as to send boatfulls of them back to germany, stop wondering. No we're not Nazis, but we are exactly like those who turned their backs and said it's not our problem, it has nothing to do with us. Maybe in 50 years some descendent of don cheadle or steven speilberg will make a movie about some uplifting sliver of this Darfur tragedy, and we will all cry as the actors on screen are brutalized, murdered and raped, and as we leave the theatre, brushing the popcorn from our shirts, we'll whimper 'never again, never again'
  4. J Brigainittome from Caltech, Canada writes: A fine soul. We need more of them.
  5. My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: Our government will never do anything until oil is discovered under the sands of Sudan.
  6. Steve Baird from Montreal, Canada writes: I have heard Debbie speak before. It was a very special experience to meet someone who has such a strong personal connection to the people suffering violence in Darfur. Sometimes I also want to talk about Darfur every day, any I understand why it can be difficult sometimes for people to listen, or to get involved. I really value people like Debbie who can help people connect to the violence in Darfur on such a personal level.
  7. Susan anson from Canada writes: This is a powerful story. We often think about the crisis but don’t know where to start to do anything to help. Can Debbie offer suggestions for regular people like me to support her efforts? I don't want to read another 'Shake Hands with the Devil' Ret R. Dalliare's book on the genocide in Rwanda.

    As to the friend of hers who asked why wouldn’t she help people in Canada first, I’d like to know if he is bothering to do anything to improve his community or elsewhere!
  8. Steve Smith from toronto, Canada writes: although I appluad Ms Bodkin's efforts, I fined that this article, much like all attempts to raise awareness very sanitized. Usually there are only vague references to those that are committing the genocide (in this article there is passing reference to the janjaweed, no mention that they are primarily arab peopole of islamic faith preying on blacks of Christian faith). No mention that the first line of peace keepers in Africa is supposed to be the African Union (Africa for Africans is the political slogan I believe which indicated that the West should not interfer in the affairs of Africa) and the AU has done less than nothing, or the role of China in supporting the Sudanese government which supports those doing the genocide. How can you raise awareness when you are really saying nothing of note to explain the genocide?
  9. Guy Nick from Canada writes: 'Our government will never do anything until oil is discovered under the sands of Sudan. '

    Whoops ...

    http://www.engdahl.oilgeopolitics.net/Geopolitics__Eurasia/OilinAfrica/oilin_africa.html

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/sudan/story/0,14658,1503470,00.html
  10. Bob ... from Canada writes: Steve Smith from toronto, Canada writes: Usually there are only vague references to those that are committing the genocide (in this article there is passing reference to the janjaweed, no mention that they are primarily arab peopole of islamic faith preying on blacks of Christian faith).

    Steve: Just about everyone in Darfur is Muslim and I'm betting that you could not tell the difference between a black and an arab person in Darfur (I've been there and I couldn't). Furthermore, many of the marginalized arabs are turning against the government in Khartoum. This is a fight over scant resources and political marginalization, not some kind of holy war.

    Open Eyes: There is oil in Sudan and the Canadian government is doing something to alleviate the suffering in Darfur (and has done under both Tories and Liberals). It could always do more, if the taxpayers demanded it and footed the bill, but between humanitarian assistance and support to the AU mission, Canada has put in a couple of hunded million since the crisis began...
  11. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: The most profound article in the GM this week.

    There should be an article everyday by the individual Canadians trying to make a difference in the world's hell holes.

    Two years ago I met a young woman, a nurse, who had just returned from Darfur and despite being exhausted, emaciated and emotionally drained, she was determined to go back and help. That single meeting is still in my mind .... and I am embarrassed by what we consider priorities in Canada and humbled by these peoples' courage and devotion to the human race.

    Steve S. - the last report I read of the African Union peacekeepers was that they needed transportation, i.e.. helicopters, to patrol the massive area of Sudan .... none were forthcoming from any nation in that report. The atrocities were continuing.
  12. Steve Smith from toronto, Canada writes: Bob, please note that I'm not belittling anyone's attempts to stop the genocide in the region, but according to media sources 'Since 2003 they (the janjaweed) have been one of the main players in the Darfur conflict, which has pitted the largely nomadic Arab-identifying Muslim Sudanese against the sedentary non-Arab/Muslim Sudanese population of the region in a battle over resource and land allocation'. sorry if I had it wrong. My points still remain: Why has the African Union not been a positive force since they were created (and funded) to act in these situations as a substitute for Western imperialism, Why has the UN not stepped up action (presumably because CHina would block any attempts at the Security Council), since they are the second tier of support and finally, without authorization from the AU or UN should/can the West intervene? If memory serves me right, wasn't the US heavily criticized for going into Iraq without UN support? Finally, I fully understand why Sudan should be targeted for help and intervention, but shouldn't Somalia, Congo, Zimbabwe, Chad, Kenya, Sierra Leone, etc also be on the list.
  13. Farenheit 451 from Vancouver, Canada writes: A very inspirational article. Thank you. And I agree that it would be wonderful to see more articles of this type, featuring those Canadians who are making a difference around the world. It would also be helpful to have some information about things that we can do here, that might make a difference.
  14. James C. from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China writes: 'kevin o'connor from Toronto, Canada writes: Great Article, I've been to Darfur for 7 months as a physician with an NGO and have seen the horrors first hand. The sad truth is that we have turned away from this genocide; ...but We, ordinary people who could put the pressure on our governments to act but we don't, and are thus as guilty as them for the inaction in Darfur to stop yet another genocide.'

    ----------
    resources for problems like darfur are limited (as in everything else). all countries take action that furthers their own self interest first (rightly so), then they'll consider other action. unfortunately, darfur is in an area where western interests are low. on the other hand, since it's in africa, and africa does have some relatively stable/wealthy countries, they should be (and are) the main contributors to a stabilization force. unfortunately, the african union hasnt done a very good job at it so far. surely you're aware of the UN mission that has been authorized for sudan?

    'kevin o'connor from Toronto, Canada writes: Major diplomatic and economic pressure on sudan and china, along with a robust peacemaking force numbering in the 10s of thousands deployed early in fthe conflict, would have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths.'

    ----------

    most governments wont take that action against china because they know what kind of criticism that's going to bring down on them back home (our economies are very much tied to china). you may also be aware that until recently, the sudanese government considered any foreign intervention in sudan (UN or otherwise) as a hostile act. those uninformed individuals who thought afghanistan was a foolish adventure, and at the same time were calling for action in sudan, obviously hadnt thought out their plan very well.
  15. James C. from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China writes: from the washington post last fall:

    UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 5 -- Sudan stepped up opposition to a U.N. peacekeeping mission for Darfur, warning that it would consider any country's pledge to supply police or troops to a U.N. force 'a hostile act' and a 'prelude to an invasion' of the Islamic country.

    The Sudanese statement comes more than two weeks after the United Nations sent a letter urging scores of governments to commit troops for a Darfur mission. Khartoum reiterated its 'total rejection' of an Aug. 31 Security Council resolution authorizing a U.N. force of about 20,000 for the troubled Darfur region.
    -----------

    the problem in darfur is much more complex than some people think.
  16. Interested Observer from Canada writes: $100,000,000. per MONTH and all we have - goes to sucking the US teete in Afghanistan.
  17. James C. from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China writes: 'Interested Observer from Canada writes: $100,000,000. per MONTH and all we have - goes to sucking the US teete in Afghanistan.'

    ----------

    any comment of relevance?
  18. Peter Ochodo from Montreal, Canada writes: It's a big problem in Sudan. But if we all do a little something daily for the people of Darfur, change will come.
  19. Matt Bowen from Canada writes: The US govt is not interested in any kind of peace in Darfur. And since Canada is a proxy of the US govt. It logically follows that the Canadian govt will do nothing about this.

    There is more going on in Darfur than most people realise.
  20. Carol C from Courtenay, Canada writes: Someone made a comment that the article should have included how we can help here. You could do what I just did after reading her article and go to www.unhcr.ca and make a donation. You can specify that your donation go directly to the Darfur Emergency Fund. For those of us that can't give our time like Debbie this is something we can do to help.
  21. A good Canadian from Canada writes: My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: Our government will never do anything until oil is discovered under the sands of Sudan.
    *********************************
    There is thousands of barrels of oil in Sudan. The reason why our government can not do anything is because Chinese companies own it, and the Chinese, with thier power in the UN will never allow another government or forces interviene in Sudan.

    The situation is much more complex of us just sending troops over.
  22. Bob ... from Canada writes: Steve: Thanks for clarifying. The problem with the AU mission were many ... but just being too small for the area being covered was a big one. China is a problem as long as they provide financial and moral support to Khartoum, allowing them to thumb their noses at the UN. Direct, non-UN sanctioned intervention would be, essentially a declaration or war on Sudan by whichever western power was dumb enough to do it. Wouldn't solve anything (though it might unite all Sudanese against the west for a bit...)

    And while Sudan takes up a large portion of the political/media attention, all of the countries you listed (Somalia, Congo, Zimbabwe, Chad, Kenya, Sierra Leone) also receive Canadian humanitarian assistance. Not as much but, for example, there are more than two million people displaced in Darfur whereas only (?) one million in Somalia so it is partly a matter of scale...
  23. Debbie Bodkin from Canada writes: For those of you who have expressed interest in finding out how you can get involved in helping the people of Darfur: I am in the process of setting up a website: www.debbiebodkin.com If you go to this address now there is temporary page to sign up for more info. Thank you for your interest. Debbie
  24. Marcella x from Canada writes: Just an FYI to people who post on these boards. The Globe and Mail has implemented 'comment deletion' hiding.

    The way this works is that to a user logged in as themselves, a post made by that user appears to be present as normal. However, to other users, the post is blocked.

    It's an old trick.
    http://investigatethemedia.blogspot.com/2007/11/san-francisco-chronicle-deceives-its.html

    An easy way to block discussion of controversial topics. AKA Censorship.

    The Globe and Mail. Proud participant in the suppression of free speech. You must be so proud.

    So, if you make a post in one of these topics, and it seems to be totally ignored, try logging off and seeing whether the post is still visible. If it is not, then the Globe and Mail has decided to censor you.
  25. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: From our points of view, people across the globe can't solve their own problems. Is this really true?

    Why can't we give them to the opportunity to do so?
  26. Jenny Rodgers from Canada writes: When the majority of Africa was granted independence by the Colonial powers in 1960 (to appease the leftists) the African reverted to his old barbaric, uncivilized state. Open your eyes and see whats happening today, what kind of civilized people chop each others hands and feet off? When they get invited to come live in Toronto, they don't use machetes anymore, they get smuggled guns. Not Canadian's guns - smuggled guns. Multi culturalism has resulted in our importation of barbarians and all the crap that goes with them. Open you eyes!
  27. Dora Attard from Canada writes: Africa becomes increasingly affected by the international decisions we make-especially those on aid and trade arrangements but they have little or no ability to influence them. They need to be allowed more control of the policies that affect them through international institutions.

    As for Darfur, the government have little desire to take the necessary actions to bring the tragedy to an end. Therefore the only way that genocide and other mass atrocities can be stopped, is if WE raise our voices loud enough to get their attention and force the government to change its policy.
    -Raising awarness such as people like Debbie Bodkin.
    -Raise funds for organizations like Save Darfur.
    -Write a personalized letter to urge your representatives to take specific actions for Darfur and other crises.
    -Stop funding the genocide. See if you have investments in companies that are targeted for divestment and then pull your assets out of any fund that does.
    -Join or start an organization, volunteer, encourage family and friends to do the same.
    It's now up to us to do something to change these atrocities going on in Darfur.
  28. Oh Canada from Canada writes: White people wont 'fix' Africa.

    When Africans want to fix Africa, they'll do it.
  29. Jason E from Kingston, Canada writes: I empathize with the plight of the peoples of Sudan and all peoples burdened by the shackles of tyranny. However, I would like to point out the reality of discussing armed intervention in the conflict in Darfur. I hear a lot of talk from people about sending in a 'robust force', and I get the sense that they lack the understanding of what that actually means. The force necessary to impose peace is always determined by the activities and capabilities of the enemy force (something the UN, from their offices in NY, ignored when evaluating missions in places such as the Balkans). While we tend to view the aggressors in Darfur as a motley crew of misfit militia, we are neglecting to mention a few things. In regards to the conventional threat we tend to forget that the Sudanese Defence Forces, whose response to a Western presence would be unpredictable, have used oil revenues to equip themselves with the ability to employ (Chinese made) attack helicopters, fighters, bombers, artillery, tanks, etc. Any force engaging in a mission in this region will need the ability to counter such a threat, which immediately makes me think that Canada would have a difficult time ‘going it alone’. The second consideration that is neglected is the asymmetric threat. I would posture that the use of I.E.D's and other 'insurgent' tactics will be the norm for warfare for the foreseeable future and that the Sudanese militias will not hesitate to use them (with a little help and tutelage from you know who). Lastly, in the context of the aforementioned threats, I wonder how are Canadians are going to react when their soldiers are forced to kill as well as take casualties from hostile forces. If Afghanistan is any indication, I would think that the fervour and activism that we are seeing regarding the Sudan today would wane considerably, but I am open for discussion.
  30. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Thank you!
  31. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Jason E ... no replies, twenty-four hours later.

    The reply is that, save for those who have personally worked in these countries, Canadians have simply no idea of the conflicts, history, starvation and poverty, atrocities and the massive global weapons cache supporting almost any anarchist activity.

    We are very blessed and we project our privileged, affluent multi-cultural homogenous societal values on every situation.

    We honestly believe there is some country, uninfluenced by a superpower, where we can perform independently assuring everybody honour their treaties and borders without turmoil.
  32. Dora Attard from Canada writes: Jenny Rodgers:God and aids are not enough. Westerern governments need to agree to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on aid and a properly financed UN humanitarian fund.
  33. A Cynic from Terrace BC, Canada writes: Wow, Jenny Rodgers! What an insightful comment about such a great article and brave woman. I wonder how many of the people of your acquaintance have made similar comments about you, because certainly you aren't immune to illness and disease. "There goes that Jenny Rodgers. I do believe the good Lord put (disease of choice here) in Canada because of people like her."
  34. Jenny Rodgers from Canada writes: Save it for the mouth-breathing leftists. Not a penny of our money should be going to barbarians.
  35. Jenny Rodgers from Canada writes: Remember when Kofi Anan was in charge of the UN? What was his son doing with the "Oil for Food" money that was supposed to be going to Iraq? That tells me the UN is never to be trusted under any circumstance. Canada should be like the US - treat the UN as a highly suspect entity. It is totally powerless anyway - a huge waste of time and other resources.
  36. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Jenny R. ... I believe the article is about an individual's commitment not the UN, corruption and government policies or who or why disease, starvation and poverty exist.
  37. Alex MacDougall from Toronto, Canada writes: Wow, Jenny Rodgers, I can just see you sitting there outfitted in your KKK hood, thinking your misguided, sad and racist thoughts. You are an embarassment to this country and clearly need a lesson in both world history and compassion.

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