ATLANTA (March 26, 2009) – Bi-partisan legislation authored by Senator David Adelman (D-Atlanta) prohibiting Georgia state government entities from entering into contracts with companies that have certain business interests in Sudan passed the Georgia House of Representatives today. The bill passed the state Senate earlier this year and now goes to Governor Sonny Perdue’s desk to be signed into law.
“This economic sanction on the government of Sudan is an important step towards ending the genocide in Darfur,” says Adelman.
Since 2003, more than four hundred thousand civilians have been killed in Darfur, the southern region of Sudan. An additional 2.7 million persons have been forced from their homes into refugee camps. Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In reaction, Sudan expelled a dozen humanitarian groups from Darfur, worsening the conditions of the millions of Sudanese living in camps.
The Darfur atrocities have been committed primarily by militias who are directly funded by the Sudanese government, which is, in turn, financially sustained by the investments of foreign companies that work principally in Sudan’s oil, power, mining, and military sectors. Therefore, doing business with companies operating in those sectors subsidizes the genocide.
“Our state is doing the right thing,” Adelman said. “This measure will increase the pressure on Sudan’s murderous government to end the genocide.”
Sen. David Adelman serves as Minority Whip and chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee. He represents the 42nd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.1376 or by email at david.adelman@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2009
For Information Contact:
Senator David Adelman
Elena Parent, Chief of Staff
david.adelman@senate.ga.gov
404.463.1376