In 2005, world leaders gathered at the United Nations World Summit and unanimously agreed that individual states and the collective international community have a responsibility to protect (R2P) civilians from "genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity." While the Sudanese government is guilty of gross violations of this doctrine, the international community's refusal to intervene threatens to render it meaningless-- at the cost of tens of thousands of lives and incalculable suffering for millions more. The world has failed to protect 400,000 people who have died in Darfur over the past four years. We must not fail the millions more who are crying for peace.

Our responsibility to protect is now

Darfur Week is the response of Franciscan colleges and universities to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the surrounding region. Darfur Week has three goals:

Goal #1: Raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the failure of the international community to respond effectively and fulfill its R2P in Darfur.

Strategy #1: Refuse to ignore this crisis by educating ourselves and our campus community about the geopolitical, economic and historical roots of the conflict and (lack of) international involvement. Possible events include:

Speaker or Symposium | Mock Trial | Film Screening

Goal #2: Build a network of Darfur advocates at Franciscan colleges and universities.

Strategy #2: Unite with students and Franciscan campuses from across the country in solidarity with the people of Darfur and in support of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Possible events include:

Prayer Vigil | Tabling and Classroom Visits | Join the Network of Darfur Advocates

Goal #3: Join the global movement urging the international community to fulfill its R2P and end the conflict in Darfur and the surrounding region!

Strategy #3:   Act to use our collective voice as a tool to compel our leaders and our own communities to take all possible steps to resolve the crisis in Darfur. Our efforts may focus on the international , national or campus R2P in Darfur (see next page). Possible events include:

Walk for Women in Darfur | Divestment Campaign | Lobby Elected Officials | Sprint for Darfur | Benefit Concert