On Wednesday, July 14, 2010, the Sudanese diaspora, the Damanga organization, and the Darfur Interfaith Community are planning a joint protest in front of the White House at 12 Noon in Lafayette Park.
Damanga’s Press Release on the July 14 Protest States
Please join our call for the arrest of Omar Al Bashir
Sudanese Diaspora from all over the DC metropolitan area coming to Washington DC to demonstrate their commitment to justice and remind the world that July 14th of 2008 marked the indictment of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir by the ICC. He is still a fugitive of justice and has continued committing more atrocities against our people in Darfur and other parts of Sudan.
When: Wednesday July 14th, noon – 1:00 pm
Where: Lafayette Park, in front of the White House
“Please join the people of Sudan in their fight for justice. Your support is extremely important to bring justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. We need you to help make this a priority to the leaders of the world. Please come and bring your friends with you to join in bringing Al Bashir to justice!”
“July 14, 2008 represents an important day for the people of Darfur and throughout Sudan. On this day, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the Sudanese President al-Bashir for his role in orchestrating and perpetrating war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The indictment of al-Bashir has brought hope to the people of Darfur in particular but also other marginalized Sudanese in the South, East, Nuba Mountain, Blue Nile and the Nubia in the Far North Sudan. It ensures that no one is above the law, one day justice can be achieved and finally that impunity will not be an option in Sudan.”
“Therefore we, the Sudanese community leaders and human rights activists, in Washington DC metropolitan area have decided not to remain silent. We must come together and commemorate this day and call the attention of the international community that they need to live up to their commitment and honor their promise by providing the necessary support to the ICC, reinforce its effort to execute the pending arrest warrant against al-Bashir and hold him accountable for the crimes committed against the people of Darfur.”
“On July 14, 2008, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), submitted his request to indict Omar al-Bashir, on several counts of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. The indictment came as a result of enormous effort by human rights organizations and the advocacy community forcing the U.N Security Council to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation.”
“July 14th, 2010 will mark the second anniversary of Sudan’s president being indicted, yet the atrocities have not ended. Come one and come all to share a moment of action.”
“‘The motives of the Sudanese head of state were ‘above all, political,’… He used the ‘alibi’ of counterinsurgency in order to try ‘to end the history of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa people.’ In fact, ‘his intent was genocide.’ — Luis Moreno-Ocampo”
“In commemoration of this historic day to remember individuals lives lost and to build on the international effort to achieve justice in all of Sudan, all human rights and advocacy organizations are called upon to participate in the day of remembrance and action.”
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See also May 3, 2010: Sudan: DC Human Rights Activists Protest Darfur Genocide and Rigged Election
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Logistics and Map:
If you are taking the Washington DC subway (Metro), you should exit at the Farragut West (Orange/Blue Lines), Farragut North (Red Line), or McPherson Square (Orange/Blue Lines) metro stops.
FARRAGUT WEST METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions: 1. Exit station through 18TH & I (EYE) ST NW entrance. 2. Walk approx. 1 block S on 18th St NW. 3. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave NW. 4. Walk approx. 3 blocks SE on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
FARRAGUT NORTH METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions: 1. Exit station through CONNETICUT AVE & K ST NW entrance. 2. Walk a short distance S on Connecticut Ave NW. 3. Walk straight on 17th St NW. 4. Walk approx. 1 block S on 17th St NW. 5. Turn left on I St NW. 6. Walk a short distance E on I St NW. 7. Turn right on Connecticut Ave NW. 8. Walk approx. 1 block S on Connecticut Ave NW. 9. Bear right on Jackson Pl NW. 10. Walk approx. 1 block S on Jackson Pl NW. 11. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave NW. 12. Walk approx. 1 block E on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
