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International Action Called for in Support of Darfur

Millions Worldwide Asked to Mobilize and Help to End Genocide

By Michael Ireland

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ANS) -- Thousands of Christians around the world are being called to observe the Global Day for Darfur on Sept. 17, 2006 and to participate in weeklong events leading up to the day of support for Darfurians.

"We cannot save the 400,000 whom we have already lost, but we can prevent further loss of life for the millions living on the cusp of death, battling starvation and militia attacks," Darfur map said Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director of the World Evangelical Alliance. "The evangelical Christian community worldwide must show its compassion and demonstrate its faith by responding to this crisis."

Since February 2003, more than 400,000 men, women and children have been killed in Darfur through a government-sponsored genocide. An additional 3.5 million people have been left displaced and homeless, living in refugee camps in fear of further attacks by the government’s proxy Janjaweed militia.

Although a peace deal was signed by the government and the largest rebel faction, violence has ensued and deadline within the peace agreements have consistently been missed.

The Global Day for Darfur and the Sept. 8-15 Week of Prayer and Action provides a chance for humanitarian and religious groups to raise awareness on the situation and support the people of Darfur.

"We hope all of our members will demonstrate their faith in Jesus Christ by participating throughout the week and on the Global Day for Darfur," said Tunnicliffe. "Our faith and prayer can serve as an inspiration to those suffering in Darfur."

Millions of people worldwide are expected to hold services and vigils throughout the week, calling on world leaders to pass a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing a peacekeeping force in the region.

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.

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