We must act to end the atrocities and human rights abuses in Sudan and bring peace to the Sudanese people. The actions must occur on several levels. 

 

(1) The United Nations Security Council, while expressing its concern for the sovereignty of Sudan, and recognizing that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, should call for the immediate arrest of President al-Bashir and extradition to The Hague in the Netherlands for trial. Further, the United Nations Security Council, while recognizing the extraordinary displacement of citizens, the squalid conditions of their refugee camps, and the ongoing violence associated with their horrific living conditions, should commit to at least triple the number of peacekeeping forces in the Sudan and in particular in Darfur, from 16,200 to at least 48,600 military personnel, until such time as the violence ends and the people can be placed in more permanent.

 

(2) The United States Congress, while recognizing that the International Criminal Court has issued the arrest warrants against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, should create incentives for governments and persons to end support of and assistance to the Government of Sudan under al-Bashir and encourage imposing economic sanctions against the Government of Sudan until such time as President al-Bashir is arrested and extradited to The Hague for trial. Further, the United States Congress, while recognizing the horrible conditions of refugees in the Darfur region of Sudan, should commit funding for the immediate distribution of basic housing and other supplies identified by the United Nations peacekeeping forces and distributed through them or other recognized humanitarian organizations.

 

(3) Palmer Trinity School, while acknowledging the great disparity in the lives of its students and that of students in the Darfur region of the Sudan, should sponsor the development of a school in a refugee camp, partnering with existing humanitarian agencies to select a location and develop a long-term funding program to support teachers for the school and to allow for the eventual immigration of students from there to South Florida for resettlement.

 

Further, Palmer Trinity School, while recognizing its role in the international community and its commitment to humanitarian goals, shall require its students to pledge as follows:If you believe that a systematic destruction of a people should never happen.

 

If you believe

          that too many children are immersed in a culture of violence and intolerance.

If you believe,

          that education is unique in its ability to transform ignorance into respect for those who are different.

If you believe

          that prejudice and hatred can be overcome.

If you believe,

          THEN ACT!