Human Rights Defenders Advocate for Darfur

People Against Injustice (PAIN), a human rights NGO in The Gambia, has commemorated the 3rd Global Day for Darfur, demanding a hybrid UN/AU peacekeeping force for Darfur to alleviate the suffering of the western Sudanese.

The commemoration took place recently at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Hall in Kanifing.

PAIN, in collaboration with Save Darfur, called on world bodies to send UN/AU peacekeepers to Darfur to maintain peace and help to alleviate the suffering of the people of that Sudanese region.

Shaka Ceesay, the Executive Director of PAIN, said their group was formed to speak against the injustice meted out on people by people.

He also called on the media to continue their effort in disseminating information to the public and the international community about the situation in Darfur.

“ I urge those doing the good work by bringing peace to Darfur to redouble their effort by sending a hybrid AU/UN peacekeepers to help the many who are suffering,” Mr. Ceesay said.

He also called on Sudan’s President El Bashir to “stop the suffering in Darfur”.

The chairman described the world as a global village, saying the conflict in Darfur was extremely complex and has been exacerbated by tribal and tradition leadership.

“In 1995 their fighting intensified till 1998. Discrimination was their problem in Darfur, from food to Social services,” he added.

Journalist Musa Sheriff, one of the speakers, said the role of journalists is to help the society by disseminating correct information that would help people to make sound and correct judgment of situations. 

Mr. Sheriff, who gave the vote of thanks, said the problem in Darfur was internal but however urged the United Nations to intervene, even forcefully.

A candle procession was also observed, and it was finally agreed that a network be formed to fight for women in Darfur.