International Response

The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn about the genocide in Darfur (Sudan), and to explore the reasons why the world has not interceded when at the end of Holocaust the international community said “never again.” Referring to the Genocide Convention, students debate the obligations of the international community to intervene in Darfur, and discuss the resistance of world governments to respond.

Save Darfur, arguably the largest international social movement since antiapartheid, has had an important impact in shaping the international response to the Darfur conflict: the world's largest humanitarian operation, alongside one of the largest and most expensive peacekeeping missions and a plethora of special envoys and mediators. For the first time, the US government has declared an ongoing conflict to be genocide and permitted the UN Security Council to refer a case to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This book chapter explains the political, ethnic, and economic issues associated with the genocide; and role of the janjaweed.

Background to the Darfur genocide and its origins. Argues why the conflict should not be oversimplified or ignored. (ISBN: 0-8014-4450-0)

This book provides a thorough background of the origins of the Darfur genocide including the history of the region and groups involved. It also provides a detailed analysis of the international response to the genocide.  ISBN-13: 978-1842779507

This lesson accompanies the documentary "On Our Watch." Due to disturbing images in the video, this film and lesson are best suited for students in grades 9-12.

An excellent resource for teachers, students, and community members that want to know more about the genocide in Darfur. Provides a list of resources including books, investigative reports, films and videos, and lessons.