Earlier this month, University of Tampa students enjoyed a peaceful escape during spring break, but peace is yet to come for the refugees of Darfur. While enjoying the bright sunshine, it may be hard for students to imagine the mayhem occurring within the international community.

However, according to Amnesty International USA, the ongoing conflict in Darfur is “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” To date, an estimated 400,000 civilians have lost their lives since the Darfur conflict erupted four years ago. To help remedy the dangerous situation, the United Nations has been working to encourage Sudan to accept UN peacekeepers into Darfur.

It is believed that the relationship between Sudan and China is favorable for China to commit itself to ending the human rights violations in Darfur. With China’s support for humanitarian aid, it is more likely that UN peacekeepers will be allowed into Sudan to assist those affected by the conflicts throughout Darfur.

To further encourage the international community to actively halt the human rights violations in Darfur, Amnesty International USA and thousands of students across the country are joining forces during The National Week of Student Action 2007.

The University of Tampa community will be included in the National Week of Student Action. Teaming up with P.E.A.C.E., The University of Tampa’s United Nations Student Alliance will be co-hosting the National Week of Student Action 2007.

Headed by Amnesty International USA, NWSA will be dedicated to mobilizing students to actively participate in ending the human rights atrocities happening in Darfur. To help bring an end to the mass human rights violations in Sudan, UT students will be participating in petition signing, letter writing, phone lobbying and various other actions to urge the United Nations, and specifically China, to assist in peacemaking in Darfur.

Fun and informative activities will also be open to the student population. The week long event, know as Make Some Noise for Darfur, will begin on Monday, March 26 and last until Friday, March 30. University of Tampa’s United Nations Student Alliance will be set up in the Vaughn Center throughout the week handing out fliers and asking the UT community to get involved and spread the word.

Everyone is encouraged to stop by and sign a petition or find information on writing letters. For further information regarding the National Week of Student Action: Make Some Noise for Darfur, contact P.E.A.C.E. at peace@ut.edu, UT UNSA at emann@ut.edu or log on to http://nwsa.amnestyusa.org for nation wide updates.