The Villanova University Chapter of STAND is dedicated to ending the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Since the government backed genocide began in 2003, more than 200,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million have been displaced. Darfur marks the first time in history that the United States has classified a conflict as a genocide while the atrocities are still ongoing.STAND engages in activities including political advocacy, education, and fundraising.

Funds raised by VU STAND support an NGO on the ground in Darfur that assists the African Union peacekeepers in conducting firewood patrols. This is vital since many of the rapes used as a weapon of war are conducted while women leave refugee camps to collect firewood.

What We’re Asking For

1. More money for peacekeepers: The US is responsible for a significant share of peacekeeping dues - money that allows African Union peacekeepers to do their job and that goes towards important equipment and supplies. Congress is now considering upcoming appropriations (spending) bills. With the current peacekeeping force looking to expand to three times its current size, increased funding is critical. Urge your members of Congress to vote for at least $187 million more for AU and UN peacekeeping in Darfur in the Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriations bill.
    
2. Federal protection for divestment: Around the country, Darfur activists like you are getting their states, cities, and schools to divest their funds from key companies supporting the genocide in Sudan. Divestment pressures the government of Sudan to stop sponsoring this genocide and accept a UN force. Protecting these cities, states, and schools is crucial for the momentum of the national divestment movement. Urge your Senators to co-sponsor S.831, the Sudan Divestment Authorization Act, to protect states, cities, and schools who divest. Urge your Representatives to co-sponsor the upcoming House version of the bill once it is introduced.
    
3. More sanctions on the government of Sudan: Divestment is only one of the ways to put economic pressure on the government of Sudan. In October 2006, Congress passed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, which, among other things, would ensure that targeted sanctions are placed on the perpetrators of genocide, and help deprive the Sudanese government of oil revenues that go towards sponsoring genocide. Now, the US must enforce this key piece of legislation. Urge your members of Congress to tell the President to enforce the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act.

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