Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

8th grader researches
the crisis in Darfur

My name is Jillian Crowley and I am an eighth grader at St. Andrew's School in Saratoga. Recently, I was given an assignment in my history class to take action and research a topic that interests me.

My first thought was to research the Darfur crisis, because it is devastating how many innocent people are being killed and pushed into refugee camps. For years, Arab nomads and African tribesman in Darfur lived side by side in peace, but a recent, long drought increased tensions and competition between the nomads and the farmers. Now the tribesman are attacking the farmers and pushing them out of their homes, in addition to committing other atrocities. The Sudanese government has sided with the Arab nomads, and is allowing the genocide to occur.

The purpose of my letter is to try and persuade fellow residents to help join the fight to influence American policy on Darfur. I would request that people write or email John Bolton, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to pass a UN resolution to send peacekeepers to Darfur. I will also be writing to John Bolton. This is the UN's responsibility to respond in crises like these. Since the government of Sudan will not stop the genocide, the UN must, and America must lead the way.

Something must be done to stop this crisis. Darfur is getting plenty of attention, but it needs action too! Please help take action.

Thank you for taking time during your busy schedule to read my letter.

Jillian Crowley

Saratoga