tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post9140700617246795517..comments2023-10-25T02:03:00.168-07:00Comments on Stand: Perspectives from SudanIanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12268287517831294520noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post-38135982840692431842008-09-24T22:02:00.000-07:002008-09-24T22:02:00.000-07:00hi Dane,Thanks for the comment. I think that's a v...hi Dane,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment. I think that's a valid point about engaging the Darfur community. The point I was trying to make is about working together with Sudanese rights groups that are already criticizing the government - and there are a few of them. Most of them seem to me to be made of Khartoum elite or Southern elite, with very few Darfuris involved (probably because of the economic, political, educational, and social marginalization of Darfur for decades). <BR/><BR/>I still think you have a good point. The Government's presence is everywhere, but it might be worth letting the groups themselves make the choice as to whether they want a relationship with us. I am not talking about ethnic groups (Fur, Zaghawa, Masalit) but rather actual civil society such as Sudanese Lawyers for Human Rights or Khartoum Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (I can't remember the actual names, so don't quote me on these please). This could be especially effective if we ask the Canadian government to support civil society in Sudan while also publicizing key individuals, which may protect them from repression. It's hard to say what the best course of action is, but I personally would like to see more engagement with Sudanese people who are currently working to make Sudan a more equitable, peaceful,just, and open society. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment.<BR/><BR/>PS. A vast majority of the South want to secede - unity is a very very distant goal.Ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12268287517831294520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2321273559526855342.post-68578041988395325612008-09-23T12:04:00.000-07:002008-09-23T12:04:00.000-07:00Hey Ian, great blog. I'm sure it will catch on soo...Hey Ian, great blog. I'm sure it will catch on soon enough...<BR/>Just a couple quick comments/questions. I have always thought that engaging the Darfur community is a great idea. However, getting involved with them I would think may have the opposite effect. For example, supporting a group operating in Sudan may be dangerous for them, if their support is traced to STAND, and the government is opposed to STAND's message. I think input from Fur, Zaghawa and Masalit communities is essential, and this may be paranoid, but building a relationship could be dangerous for those in Sudan.<BR/><BR/>Also, this is off topic, but I was recently at a talk where a member of the Fur community said what was needed most in Sudan was unity. The CPA was barely holding last I checked, and I thought this was a good point but ironic considering there is an upcoming referendum on separation in 2011. Apologies for any mistakes, my news may be outdated! Keep up the good work.Danehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16667641420602581741noreply@blogger.com