Welcome to the unofficial blog of the Skyview Model United Nations Club. We meet Fridays at 2:10 in room 503c.
08 January 2007
Presentation Summaries
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Works to improve conditions in the developing world
Created to assist nations in escaping the mire of poverty, conflict, and backwards social institutions left over from the age of imperialism
Works to improve levels of democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and the environment, HIV/AIDS, and women’s empowerment
Assists underdeveloped parts of the globe by assisting with economic, social, and infrastructure development
Currently working to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equality and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop a global partnership for development
Website: http://www.undp.org/
Millennium Development Goals website: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
Created December 1946 to provide relief to the children of Europe
Purpose of the organization “to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path”
Became permanent part of the UN 1953
1959 drafted Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defined the rights of the child to be protection, education, health care, shelter and good nutrition
Promotes girls’ education, acts to immunize children against common childhood diseases, works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and promotes the protection of the child environment
Work towards upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Millennium Development Goals, and the Global Movement for Children
Timeline of UNICEF history at http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_history.html
Created 1995 – Successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (est. after the Second World War)
Purpose: facilitates international trade in order to ensure fairness and a healthy global economy
Intended to allow developing nations to gain equal footing with the developed world
By settling international economic issues through dialogue, the WTO helps to reduce “the risk of disputes spilling over into political or military conflict” (WTO website)
Mission of WTO is also to break down figurative barriers between nations by helping them to trade more fairly
Goal: “to improve the welfare of the peoples of the member countries” (WTO website)
HISTORY 1908-est. as a Belgian colony (republic of Congo) June 30, 1960-gained independence. A lot of political and social instablity during the first couple of years after independence November 1965-Colonel Joseph Mobutu seizes power and declares himself president, Mobutu changes the country's name to Zaire. Mobutu was somewhat of a tyrant because he reigned for 32 years, but through unfair elections and brutal force. 1994-national crisis of ethnic strife and civil war spread throughout the country due to the massive inflow of refugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi. May 1997-end of the Mobutu regime, due to a rebellion led by Laurent Kabila. Kabila renames the country to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Aug. 1998-trouble with Rwanda + Uganda -Chad, Angola, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe sent troops to help sustain the Kabila regime. July 1999-cease-fire is agreed. January 2001-Laurent Kabila is assassinated and so his son, Joseph Kabila is named head of state. Oct. 2002-new president Kabila is successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces in the eastern part of the country. Dec. 2002-Pretoria Accord is signed. - end of the fighting - set up a gov't of national unity. July 2003-a transitional gov't is set up as a temporary gov't until a permanent one is established. December 2005-a new constitution and the new gov’t are established. -so far, it's working well.
Strengths new government. current president Kabila’s ability to carry the nation from national war to a peace negotiation to a transitional time to a well-working gov’t currently.
Weaknesses surrounded by history of violence. mass majority of population is still in poverty. a newly restarting country.
Political: transition constitution: -bicameral legislature 1.senate a.in charge of drafting a new constitution 2.National Assembly -executive branch a.60-member cabinet headed by PRESIDENT + 4 vice presidents (nicknamed "The 1 + 4") b.president is the Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces -independent judiciary a.headed by a Supreme Court w/constitutional interpretation powers.
-2006 constitution "Constitution of the Third Republic" effective in February 2006, and coexist w/transition constitution until July 2006 = elections -same bicameral legislature -executive: a. PRESIDENT + gov't. + PRIME MINISTER -provincial gov't. b. governered by provincial parliaments + Governor (who they elect) -changes in judicial branch: 1. no Supreme court 2. Constitutional Council (holds constitutional interpretation.)
Economy: -first + second Congo Wars (beginning in 1996) -dramatically reduced national output and gov't revenue -increased external debt -intensified impacts of: -inflation -corruption -lack of legal framework -malnutrition affects ~2/3 of population -2002--> conditions have improved due to the withdrawal of a large portion of invading foreign troops. -International Monetary Fund + World Bank missions have tried to help DRC develop an economic plan but Pres. Joseph Kabila has begun implementing reforms. -most economic activity lies outside of the GDP data.
Religion: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs 10% - ~80% is Christian -non-Christians follow either traditional religions: -follow concepts of..monotheism, animism, vitalism, spirit and ancestor worship, and sorcery. -none are formalized, because they vary from region to region. -Kimbanguism = “the church of Christ on Earth by the prophet Simon Kimbangu” -was once seen as a threat to the colonial Belgian regime and therefore banned. -currently has about 3 million members.
Military: -Army, Navy, Air Force -18-45 years of age are obligated for military service
Social: -population was estimated to be at 56.6 million in 2003. -250 ethnic groups have been distinguished and named. 3 main groups: -Kongo -Luba -Mongo -over 700 local languages + dialects are spoken. -most are a combination of FRENCH + either dialects of Kongo, Tshiluba, Swahili, and Lingala.
Culture: -diverse -over 250 ethnic groups -numerous lifestyles throughout the country -rainforest -savanna -mountains -Congo River coast -path: Belgian colonialism Struggle for independence Mobutu era First + Second Congo Wars. - ~60 million live in rural areas. - 30% living in urban areas have met western influences.
Location: Middle East - Highlands between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf
History: Known as Persia until 1935 It was the seat of the Persian Empire, the dominant force in the region from around 600 BCE until it was conquered by Alexander the Great 332 CE. Iran continued to be a major center of politics, learning, and culture
Biggest Strength: Oil – international leverage
Biggest Weakness: Backwards economy – Iran has been largely isolated by the West since 1979 contributing to serious economic troubles including very high unemployment and rates of inflation (inflation rate estimate for 2006: 15.8%). Much of the economy is controlled by the state, further worsening the problem. Iran has slowly engaged in small market reforms in recent years.
Government: Theocratic republic Supreme Leader: Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989) President: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August 2005) Council of Guardians determines who can run for president (consists of clerics elected to 6-year terms) Universal suffrage for persons 15 years of age and older
Economy: Backwards economy – see Biggest Weakness Economy overly dependent on oil as a source of wealth
Religion: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 2%
Military: 18 years of age compulsory military service. Note: Enormous influence throughout the Shi’a Muslim world Provides aid to Shi’as throughout the Middle East where Shi’as are generally loyal to Iran and its goal of playing a larger role in the region.
Society: Great class disparity as a result of economic troubles Since the mid 20th century, Iran has resisted westernization and struggled to maintain/return to a traditional society. Social norms in Iran are heavily influenced by Shi’a Muslim religious codes and traditions.
Culture: Iran has a rich cultural history. However, its culture has been largely depressed by bad economic times in recent years. To the best of its abilities, Iran has resisted “cultural imperialism” by the West.
· Started after WWI. · First “industrialized” war, first world-wide war, and by far the bloodiest conflict world had yet seen. · Nearly 10 mil dead, more than 21 mil wounded, and nearly 8 mil, quote “missing.” Essentially 40 mil lives significantly destroyed. · Wanted to ensure never happened again. · This is where League of Nations comes in. · On another note, Woody Wilson, president at time, had 14 pts, to insure grand conflict never happened again. Last was to have grand assembly of all countries · World took this idea and set up League of Nations. · Assembly of all countries that supposedly would prevent war, settle conflicts in peaceful manner, ensure natural rights to all, etc. · Essentially, predecessor of UN · Like UN, different commissions · Especially large in disarmament
Why isn't it around today? · First of all, America never joined · Wilson wanted, Congress no: free hand · MAJOR MISTAKES · Supported unfair Paris peace treaty. · Harsh conditions for Germany: HUGE reparations that demolished German economy, limited German army, size and areas. · American loans started to help, but then Great Depression hit. · inflation insane · then, with discontent, Hitler came to power · legally made himself dictator · Hitler occupied Rhineland, border of France. · League could do nothing but sanction, and even then not really upheld well enough, not enough many countries to work. · Germany continued. · APPEASEMENT: · Allowed Hitler to, essentially, invade Czechoslovakia. · LEAGUE HAD NO ARMED FORCES. · Italy conquered Ethiopia, Halie Selassie appealed, but nothing could be done · Many nations dropped out of League. · Nothing could be done. · LEAGUE WAS EXTREMELY INEFFECTUAL!!!!!!!!!! · Often relied on “Great Powers” for force, but each power extra ordinarily reluctant to act, league couldn’t force it to do so.
Russia by Daniel Holstein
Political Environment: Supposed Montesquieu, representative democracy, but Putin governs almost autocratically, civil laws, universal suffrage.
Economy: Free trade, market economy, trillions of dollars in annual exchange, major exports include oil, minerals, and manufactured progress. Although is market economy, the Russian Oil Company took over all competition in 2003,
Most Significant Historical Event: Obviously, the Bolshevik Revolution of the 1910s, and communism’s fall around 1990.
Religious: 20% Russian Orthodox, 15% Muslim, 2% other Christian, large atheist population.
Military: separated into branches, military supposedly has no influence over government, soldiers are both voluntary and drafted. Has 35,000,000 soldiers and advanced nuclear technology.
Social and Cultural: 142,000,000 million in population. 17.8% below poverty line. Russian is obviously major language, though there do exist various sublanguages. 7.6% unemployed. 60.5 million televisions, only 23.7 million internet users, 61.5 million radios, only 160 million telephone users.
World Health Organization (WHO) by Daniel Holstein
· Works towards a healthier world. · Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland · Was successor of Health Organization of League of Nations · Has six different world zones, each with elected local authorities · Current president is Margaret Chan from Hong Kong, China, will govern to 2012 · Sponsors annually themed World Health Day on April 7 · Major past themes of World Health Day include: o 2001 – Mental Health o 2000 – Blood Donation o 1995 – Eradicate polio
BRIEF NOTES ON DARFUR REGION by Daniel Holstein
INTRODUCTION · Western Sudan · Population of about 7.5 million · Cereal grains, fruit tobacco, live stock. · Arabic and Beijgo (native African language, closely related to the extinct daju) major languages · 19th century, under Egyptian rule. Roots of conflict between Muslims and Africans. today. · WWI: British invaded Sudan in 1916, afraid govn't may fall under influence of Turkey’s sultan. · 1956 – Proxy wars with Libya and Chad · mid-1980s – Famine
DARFUR CONFLICT · between “Janjaweed militant group (of the Abbala) and non-Baggara” · Abbala are “camel-herding Arabs.” · non-Baggara are “mostly land-tilling tribes” · Govn't says that it does not support Janjaweed, but in reality has aided the group, including joined in its attacks. · Conflict began July 2003. · Fur, Zaghawa, and Massaleit ethnic groups being targeted. · “ethnic cleansing” · U.S. gov. called it genocide, but UN refuses to use the label. · 2.5 million displaced, estimated 400,000 deaths. · UN passed resolution to send 17,300 troops to region to aid 7,000 African troops currently there, “peace keeping force.” · Recently rally in NY.
Use this blog to discuss current events.
Only through dialogue can we gain a better understanding for the world around us.
We must never deceive ourselves into believing we know everything about an issue. We must never act under the illusion that some are right and some are wrong.
Please use this blog to help broaden your horizons.
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UN Mission
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Adopted by the UN General Assembly December 10, 1948
Established certain universal human rights
Defined the most basic obligations and limitations of the governments of the world
Recognized the need to uphold the basic rights of mankind
Sought to ensure that human rights violations of the past would not be tolerated in the future
Overall: DEFINED THE BASIC RIGHTS OF THE COMMON MAN
Online copy at http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
UN Organization
UNCTAD
Full name is the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Established 1964
“Promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy”
Conference meets every four years
Intergovernmental forum to allow the various interests of the world to meet and discuss the issues facing the global economy
Seeks to ensure that the global economy develops in a manner that is beneficial to everyone
More information at http://www.unctad.org/Templates/Startpage.asp?intItemID=2068&lang=1
Past Skyview delegate(s) to this OHIRL committee: Attar Bhangal
UN Organization
UNDP
Full name United Nations Development Programme
Works to improve conditions in the developing world
Created to assist nations in escaping the mire of poverty, conflict, and backwards social institutions left over from the age of imperialism
Works to improve levels of democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and the environment, HIV/AIDS, and women’s empowerment
Assists underdeveloped parts of the globe by assisting with economic, social, and infrastructure development
Currently working to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
Website: http://www.undp.org/
Millennium Development Goals website: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
UN Organization
UNICEF
United Nations Children’s Fund
Created December 1946 to provide relief to the children of Europe
Purpose of the organization “to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path”
Became permanent part of the UN 1953
1959 drafted Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defined the rights of the child to be protection, education, health care, shelter and good nutrition
Promotes girls’ education, acts to immunize children against common childhood diseases, works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, and promotes the protection of the child environment
Work towards upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Millennium Development Goals, and the Global Movement for Children
Timeline of UNICEF history at http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_history.html
Source: http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_introduction.html
UN Organization
WTO
Full name World Trade Organization
Created 1995 – Successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (est. after the Second World War)
Purpose: facilitates international trade in order to ensure fairness and a healthy global economy
Intended to allow developing nations to gain equal footing with the developed world
By settling international economic issues through dialogue, the WTO helps to reduce “the risk of disputes spilling over into political or military conflict” (WTO website)
Mission of WTO is also to break down figurative barriers between nations by helping them to trade more fairly
Goal: “to improve the welfare of the peoples of the member countries” (WTO website)
WTO website: http://www.wto.org/
HISTORY
1908-est. as a Belgian colony (republic of Congo)
June 30, 1960-gained independence. A lot of political and social instablity during the first couple of years after independence
November 1965-Colonel Joseph Mobutu seizes power and declares himself president, Mobutu changes the country's name to Zaire. Mobutu was somewhat of a tyrant because he reigned for 32 years, but through unfair elections and brutal force.
1994-national crisis of ethnic strife and civil war spread throughout the country due to the massive inflow of refugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi.
May 1997-end of the Mobutu regime, due to a rebellion led by Laurent Kabila. Kabila renames the country to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Aug. 1998-trouble with Rwanda + Uganda
-Chad, Angola, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe sent troops to help sustain the Kabila regime.
July 1999-cease-fire is agreed.
January 2001-Laurent Kabila is assassinated and so his son, Joseph Kabila is named head of state.
Oct. 2002-new president Kabila is successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces in the eastern part of the country.
Dec. 2002-Pretoria Accord is signed.
- end of the fighting
- set up a gov't of national unity.
July 2003-a transitional gov't is set up as a temporary gov't until a permanent one is established.
December 2005-a new constitution and the new gov’t are established.
-so far, it's working well.
Strengths
new government.
current president Kabila’s ability to carry the nation from national war to a peace negotiation to a transitional time to a well-working gov’t currently.
Weaknesses
surrounded by history of violence.
mass majority of population is still in poverty.
a newly restarting country.
Political:
transition constitution:
-bicameral legislature
1.senate
a.in charge of drafting a new constitution
2.National Assembly
-executive branch
a.60-member cabinet headed by PRESIDENT + 4 vice presidents (nicknamed "The 1 + 4")
b.president is the Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces
-independent judiciary
a.headed by a Supreme Court w/constitutional interpretation powers.
-2006 constitution "Constitution of the Third Republic" effective in February 2006, and coexist w/transition constitution until July 2006 = elections
-same bicameral legislature
-executive:
a. PRESIDENT + gov't. + PRIME MINISTER
-provincial gov't.
b. governered by provincial parliaments + Governor (who they elect)
-changes in judicial branch:
1. no Supreme court
2. Constitutional Council (holds constitutional interpretation.)
Economy:
-first + second Congo Wars (beginning in 1996)
-dramatically reduced national output and gov't revenue
-increased external debt
-intensified impacts of:
-inflation
-corruption
-lack of legal framework
-malnutrition affects ~2/3 of population
-2002--> conditions have improved due to the withdrawal of a large portion of invading foreign troops.
-International Monetary Fund + World Bank missions have tried to help DRC develop an economic plan but Pres. Joseph Kabila has begun implementing reforms.
-most economic activity lies outside of the GDP data.
Religion:
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs 10%
- ~80% is Christian
-non-Christians follow either traditional religions:
-follow concepts of..monotheism, animism, vitalism, spirit and ancestor worship, and sorcery.
-none are formalized, because they vary from region to region.
-Kimbanguism = “the church of Christ on Earth by the prophet Simon Kimbangu”
-was once seen as a threat to the colonial Belgian regime and therefore banned.
-currently has about 3 million members.
Military:
-Army, Navy, Air Force
-18-45 years of age are obligated for military service
Social:
-population was estimated to be at 56.6 million in 2003.
-250 ethnic groups have been distinguished and named.
3 main groups:
-Kongo
-Luba
-Mongo
-over 700 local languages + dialects are spoken.
-most are a combination of FRENCH + either dialects of Kongo, Tshiluba, Swahili, and Lingala.
Culture:
-diverse
-over 250 ethnic groups
-numerous lifestyles throughout the country
-rainforest
-savanna
-mountains
-Congo River coast
-path:
Belgian colonialism
Struggle for independence
Mobutu era
First + Second Congo Wars.
- ~60 million live in rural areas.
- 30% living in urban areas have met western influences.
that's for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
excellent.
Country Summary:
Iran
Location:
Middle East - Highlands between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf
History:
Known as Persia until 1935
It was the seat of the Persian Empire, the dominant force in the region from around 600 BCE until it was conquered by Alexander the Great 332 CE.
Iran continued to be a major center of politics, learning, and culture
Biggest Strength:
Oil – international leverage
Biggest Weakness:
Backwards economy – Iran has been largely isolated by the West since 1979 contributing to serious economic troubles including very high unemployment and rates of inflation (inflation rate estimate for 2006: 15.8%). Much of the economy is controlled by the state, further worsening the problem. Iran has slowly engaged in small market reforms in recent years.
Government:
Theocratic republic
Supreme Leader: Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989)
President: Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD (since 3 August 2005)
Council of Guardians determines who can run for president (consists of clerics elected to 6-year terms)
Universal suffrage for persons 15 years of age and older
Economy:
Backwards economy – see Biggest Weakness
Economy overly dependent on oil as a source of wealth
Religion:
Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 2%
Military:
18 years of age compulsory military service.
Note: Enormous influence throughout the Shi’a Muslim world
Provides aid to Shi’as throughout the Middle East where Shi’as are generally loyal to Iran and its goal of playing a larger role in the region.
Society:
Great class disparity as a result of economic troubles
Since the mid 20th century, Iran has resisted westernization and struggled to maintain/return to a traditional society. Social norms in Iran are heavily influenced by Shi’a Muslim religious codes and traditions.
Culture:
Iran has a rich cultural history. However, its culture has been largely depressed by bad economic times in recent years. To the best of its abilities, Iran has resisted “cultural imperialism” by the West.
League of Nations
by Daniel Holstein
· Started after WWI.
· First “industrialized” war, first world-wide war, and by far the bloodiest conflict world had yet seen.
· Nearly 10 mil dead, more than 21 mil wounded, and nearly 8 mil, quote “missing.” Essentially 40 mil lives significantly destroyed.
· Wanted to ensure never happened again.
· This is where League of Nations comes in.
· On another note, Woody Wilson, president at time, had 14 pts, to insure grand conflict never happened again. Last was to have grand assembly of all countries
· World took this idea and set up League of Nations.
· Assembly of all countries that supposedly would prevent war, settle conflicts in peaceful manner, ensure natural rights to all, etc.
· Essentially, predecessor of UN
· Like UN, different commissions
· Especially large in disarmament
Why isn't it around today?
· First of all, America never joined
· Wilson wanted, Congress no: free hand
· MAJOR MISTAKES
· Supported unfair Paris peace treaty.
· Harsh conditions for Germany: HUGE reparations that demolished German economy, limited German army, size and areas.
· American loans started to help, but then Great Depression hit.
· inflation insane
· then, with discontent, Hitler came to power
· legally made himself dictator
· Hitler occupied Rhineland, border of France.
· League could do nothing but sanction, and even then not really upheld well enough, not enough many countries to work.
· Germany continued.
· APPEASEMENT:
· Allowed Hitler to, essentially, invade Czechoslovakia.
· LEAGUE HAD NO ARMED FORCES.
· Italy conquered Ethiopia, Halie Selassie appealed, but nothing could be done
· Many nations dropped out of League.
· Nothing could be done.
· LEAGUE WAS EXTREMELY INEFFECTUAL!!!!!!!!!!
· Often relied on “Great Powers” for force, but each power extra ordinarily reluctant to act, league couldn’t force it to do so.
Russia
by Daniel Holstein
Political Environment: Supposed Montesquieu, representative democracy, but Putin governs almost autocratically, civil laws, universal suffrage.
Economy: Free trade, market economy, trillions of dollars in annual exchange, major exports include oil, minerals, and manufactured progress. Although is market economy, the Russian Oil Company took over all competition in 2003,
Most Significant Historical Event: Obviously, the Bolshevik Revolution of the 1910s, and communism’s fall around 1990.
Religious: 20% Russian Orthodox, 15% Muslim, 2% other Christian, large atheist population.
Military: separated into branches, military supposedly has no influence over government, soldiers are both voluntary and drafted. Has 35,000,000 soldiers and advanced nuclear technology.
Social and Cultural: 142,000,000 million in population. 17.8% below poverty line. Russian is obviously major language, though there do exist various sublanguages. 7.6% unemployed. 60.5 million televisions, only 23.7 million internet users, 61.5 million radios, only 160 million telephone users.
World Health Organization (WHO)
by Daniel Holstein
· Works towards a healthier world.
· Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland
· Was successor of Health Organization of League of Nations
· Has six different world zones, each with elected local authorities
· Current president is Margaret Chan from Hong Kong, China, will govern to 2012
· Sponsors annually themed World Health Day on April 7
· Major past themes of World Health Day include:
o 2001 – Mental Health
o 2000 – Blood Donation
o 1995 – Eradicate polio
BRIEF NOTES ON DARFUR REGION
by Daniel Holstein
INTRODUCTION
· Western Sudan
· Population of about 7.5 million
· Cereal grains, fruit tobacco, live stock.
· Arabic and Beijgo (native African language, closely related to the extinct daju) major languages
· 19th century, under Egyptian rule. Roots of conflict between Muslims and Africans. today.
· WWI: British invaded Sudan in 1916, afraid govn't may fall under influence of Turkey’s sultan.
· 1956 – Proxy wars with Libya and Chad
· mid-1980s – Famine
DARFUR CONFLICT
· between “Janjaweed militant group (of the Abbala) and non-Baggara”
· Abbala are “camel-herding Arabs.”
· non-Baggara are “mostly land-tilling tribes”
· Govn't says that it does not support Janjaweed, but in reality has aided the group, including joined in its attacks.
· Conflict began July 2003.
· Fur, Zaghawa, and Massaleit ethnic groups being targeted.
· “ethnic cleansing”
· U.S. gov. called it genocide, but UN refuses to use the label.
· 2.5 million displaced, estimated 400,000 deaths.
· UN passed resolution to send 17,300 troops to region to aid 7,000 African troops currently there, “peace keeping force.”
· Recently rally in NY.
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