November 2005

On the occasion of Eid Ulfiter, Darfur Human Development Organization would like to congratulate the Sudanese people, the Muslim communities around the globe and especially the Darfurian people. DHDO wishes them the very best and hoping that, things will be in better shape in the year to come.

Brothers and Sisters,

We all know what is currently happening in Sudan-Darfur, where people are either killed or displaced, villages are destroyed and burnt down and the innocent Darfurian people are forgotten and left high and dry. The UN has classified the situation in Darfur as one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

It is our moral responsibility, which lies on our shoulders that dictates upon us to rise up and express our deepest sympathy and support to the unfortunate Darfurians. It is here where DHDO expresses its concern in the following issues.

The Government of Sudan is one of the main parties involved in the crisis, and in order to contain the chaotic situation, the Government must achieve the following steps:

• Disarmament of the Janjaweed militias.
• Arrest and handover all those who committed crimes against the innocent Darfurian people to the International Criminal Justice.

Our active participation in the current peace dialogue in Nigeria-Abuja has revealed clearly that Government delegates do not possess any powerful authority and are unable to exercise any power over conflicting issues. This has exposed the indifference of the regime and its lack of seriousness towards resolving this conflict.
Therefore, the Government has to step forward and authorize its delegates so that they are well equipped with decision-making power in the peace process.

We must appreciate the effort of the fighting groups Sudan Liberation Army (SPL) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in unifying their delegates in the current peace discussion process in Abuja; into one front, which makes it much easier to achieve peace.

It is imperative that the SPLA unites its internal front and avoids any division that will basically weaken their justified fighting cause.

It is high time that the fighting groups and the government, avoid any disruption to the NGOs while delivering the humanitarian aids to needy refugees and displaced people. The NGOs, who work hard, to reach out the struggling Darfurian people; should be given free access to the affected areas.

On the international front, DHDO extends its full support to the Sudanese refugees who are executing an infinite strike, which has continued for over a month in the Republic of Egypt-Cairo. Their chronic problems as refugees in Cairo with the UNHCR have forced them to go for such strike. There are hundreds of women and children who are sleeping on the ground/outside in an inhumane environment. Therefore, DHDO calls for the international community to address their genuine issues and finalize their demands. DHDO will work hard to air their voices among the various communities around the globe, until the issue is resolved.

On this great occasion of Eid Ulfiter, in support to the Darfurian people, DHDO announces its biggest Donation Campaign in Canada. This campaign will collect different types of items such as food, money, clothing and medicine, which will be shipped in coordination with many other NGOs to Darfur. (The campaign normally takes place during the weekend).
Those of you who are interested in joining any of the following committees should contact the designated persons:

Names Committee Phone # City
Ms.Ferdose Sheikheldin Fund Raising 204-275-0816 Wpg-MB
Mr.Mubarak Ibrahim Food 204-294-6542 Wpg-MB
Mr.Daniel Negusie Medicine 204-779-2066 Wpg-MB
Dr.Khalid Mohammed Clothing 204-946-5307 Wpg-MB
Mr.Zakaria Hamza Fund/Medicine 403-362-4050 Brooks-AB
Dr.Ahmed Alkanzi Fund/Clothing 403-209-0049 Calgary-AB
Mr.Salah Elnour Food 403-362-8483 Brooks-AB

Finally, DHDO in conjunction with the escalating situation in Darfur; is in the process of submitting a petition to the UN, The African Union, the Canadian Government, the government of the USA, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The petition is to encourage them to take serious actions and put more pressure on the Sudanese Government to bring peace to the region.

Those of you, who are interested in joining the list of signatures, should contact any of the above-mentioned names and submit your name and email address, to receive a copy of the petition. This will allow you to have the opportunity to incorporate your ideas into the petition.

Darfur Human Development Organization-Canada

November 2005