On Saturday, nearly 100,000 people participated in DisplaceMe, an event that drew attention to the war in northern Uganda and the need for international action to end it. People slept out in the streets of 15 U.S. cities in one of the biggest demonstrations of solidarity with Africa EVER in America's history. The DC Rally had about 6,000 people. The sky was amazing – energy incredibly, subject heavy. It was truly moving. The event hopes to emphasize the plight of people forced to live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps around Uganda, a number which the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre places somewhere between 1.2 million and 1.7 million. Participants came with one clear message for our leaders: The U.S. has to do everything it can to help achieve peace in Uganda so that people there can go back home.
Guest speakers, screening of video footage and podcasts, writing letters to the US government and simulation of IDP camp conditions including rationed food were all part of the event that aimed at educating people about this often unpublicized war. few highlights from the night included the video message from Laura Bush, expressing her desire for a peaceful resolution to the war, all the letters participants wrote to Senators to advocate for action, and being able to hear from displaced people in northern Uganda about what their lives are like.
This historic event will go a long ways toward making sure our leaders hear our demands for peace and take action to make that happen. Resolve Uganda was excited to be a co-sponsoring organization and we look forward to seeing the response from our government. Displace Me is organized as an international event by Invisible Children, a charity organization set up to aid child casualties of the civil war which has been ongoing since 1987.
Timing is important because on the 26th, peace talks had a second chance. Historic peace talks to end the 21-year war in northern Uganda, thought to have collapsed, received that second chance when the parties met in Juba last week. However, a new policy report released by Uganda-CAN, Seizing the Second Chance: Peace on the Horizon in Uganda, argues that unless issues of trust, transparency and transitional justice are addressed with new flexibility, a comprehensive agreement will remain unlikely. "With all eyes on Juba, the humanitarian imperative in northern Uganda has lost momentum." At least 1.4 million people remain in squalid internal-displacement camps. The Ugandan government's new recovery plan provides an encouraging framework, but concerns remain about prospects for its implementation. In addition, issues of gender-based violence and land rights continue to be overlooked. "The Ugandan government's protection responsibilities extend far beyond just stopping rebel attacks," said Paul Ronan, Uganda-CAN conflict analyst. Read the full report here What is happening…everyone, no matter the color, location, religion or socioeconomic status – should feel peace.
