On August 25, the Sudanese army and police attacked civilians in Kalma camp for internally displaced people in South Darfur. The armed attack left an estimated 64 civilians dead and more than 100 wounded. This is a stark reminder of the easy access that belligerents to the conflict in Darfur have to weapons, in spite of the United Nations Security Council imposed Darfur arms embargo. Human Rights First reiterates its call for the Security Council to take immediate steps to enforce and expand the Darfur arms embargo.

On September 23rd, President Bush will address the world's leaders at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly. He should use this opportunity to speak out strongly in support of the ICC work to bring President Bashir of Sudan to justice.

President of Sudan Likely to be Charged with Genocide

The Washington Post announced today that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will seek an arrest warrant for the President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, for genocide and crimes against humanity next week. If indicted, Bashir will be the first sitting head of state to be charged with genocide.

Forty-seven organizations sign Open Letter to Heads of State and Government of G8 countries, and to Foreign Ministers of G8 countries. Letter calls for halt to arms transfers to Sudan that violate Darfur arms embargo.