As many as 4.7 million people -- 70 percent of the population in Darfur are directly affected by the on-going forms of brutal violence. But despite the tireless work of humanitarian groups, women and children remain highly vulnerable -- especially when it comes to sexual violence.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of rape highlights the vulnerability of girls and women in Africa, for whom violence and discrimination are intensified by the effects of conflict and displacement.
Recently, members of both the U.S. Senate and the House have been discussing the disastrous and destabilizing effects of sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war in places such as Darfur and the Congo.
While this attention to violence against women is important, more must be done. Now is the time to translate our concerns into powerful actions -- urge your Senators to take a stance to end the pattern of crimes against women!
I am writing today to strongly urge you to do your part in working to end the ongoing sexual and militant violence in countries throughout Africa such as Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
[Your comment will be inserted here].
Despite the tireless work of various humanitarian agencies throughout the continent, the condition of women and children remains highly vulnerable. In addition to lack of proper nutrition and vital supplies such as vaccines, medicines and surgical equipment, sexual violence is also on the upswing.
Continued attention to violence against women from you and your colleagues is commendable, however, if we are to end the brutal violence throughout the continent, more must be done.
For years, elected officials on both sides of the aisle have been deeply concerned with the on-going violence in Africa. Now is the time to translate this concern, into action and raise the awareness of the horrific patterns of violence targeted against women and children.
I strongly urge you to work to end the violence throughout Africa and support the life saving programs of various humanitarian organizations.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my comments. I eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
