Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis: A Call to Action
Millions of Sudanese lives hang in the balance as the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe unfolds. Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, many remain unaware or turn a blind eye. This phenomenon of turning away is eerily reminiscent of the Holocaust, where seemingly normal perpetrators of mass atrocities carried out devastating crimes.
In my work as a diplomat, conflict researcher, and human rights monitor, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of genocide and mass atrocities. I’ve spent time with modern-day mass murderers, trying to understand their motives and vulnerabilities, only to find that many are seemingly normal individuals who voice rational descriptions of strategies that will minimize civilian casualties.
The world accepts these individuals as leaders, and diplomats have their phone numbers handy. For the most part, the perpetrators escape consequence or accountability. We are looking away from this century’s first genocide, and the consequences are dire.
I was reminded of this when watching the Oscar-winning film "The Zone of Interest," which humanizes the Hoss family, the commander of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The film shows a family living their lives, oblivious to the horrors unfolding on the other side of their compound wall. This portrayal is more universal than we might comfortably admit. We all are guilty at times of turning away, even from genocide, as reports trickle through to us from a bewildering variety of sources.
The film "Hotel Rwanda" about the courageous actions to save Rwandan lives was released during the Darfur genocide and helped inspire a global anti-genocide movement. The movement demanded a robust response from governments around the world, and although it didn’t end the war, it forced the Sudan government to allow humanitarian aid into Darfur, saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
Outrage and sustained attention for Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe could save millions of lives. We have a choice not to stand by and watch while genocide happens. A critical mass of us must resist the default position of bystanding, press for a civilian protection force, and demand accountability through crippling sanctions and international prosecutions for the modern-day Rudolf Hosses and their enabling networks.
The story of Jacob, a child whose notebooks were found in an abandoned village in Darfur, is a powerful reminder of the human cost of inaction. Jacob’s notebooks ended up at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, where they were seen by countless people. We have a choice about what to do with our own complicity. We can choose to stand up and demand action, or we can continue to turn away.
The fate of millions of lives like Jacob’s depends on it.
