Darfur

New Internationalist, June, 2007 by Jess Worth

'God, how grim,' is the most common reaction I've been getting when I tell people I'm doing a magazine on Darfur. Often followed by: 'It's just so awful--but there doesn't seem to be anything we can do ...'

This feeling of powerlessness in the face of extreme human suffering is unpleasant and upsetting; so we're inclined to look away. The media's portrayal of Darfur doesn't help. Devoid of explanation and analysis, we are bombarded by harrowing images, left feeling shocked and confused.

I can't deny that putting this magazine together has been disturbing. Eager to help, my search for a simple solution to Darfur's problems has nonetheless drawn a blank. Most people I've spoken to--Darfurian refugees, activists, humanitarian workers--have been downbeat about Darfur's prospects, ground down by four years of banging their heads against a brick wall.

But I've also found hope. Behind the horror stories lies a long history, a complex interplay between colonialism, injustice and the politics of the surrounding region. Understand this, and we can start to make sense of the current crisis.

And I've encountered some extraordinarily courageous individuals who will never give up. Thanks to their relentless work, campaigns for Darfur are now blossoming all over the world.

We owe it to the people of Darfur to take a long, unflinching look at their situation--and the part our countries have had in creating and perpetuating it. Then perhaps we can finally start to play an effective supporting role in their quest for peace.

Jess Worth for the New Internationalist Co-operative

jess@newint.org

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