I have visited the region and have heard the stories first hand. Last August. I visited a refugee camp called Touloum in Chad. Thousands of refugees are housed in dustcovered tents. Many more live in makeshift shelters of gathered wood and plastic sheeting. I met with refugees and community leaders. Their testimonials were searing. I heard the story of a mentally disabled 15yearold boy being thrown into a burning house. and of an old. paralyzed man burned alive in his hut. I heard stories of women raped in front of their own children. and male villagers being summarily executed. I asked one refugee in Touloum what it would take for him to go home. He said. "Ill go if you come with me and stay with me." Last week. the Government of Sudan and the rebels in Darfur signed a Declaration of Principles for the Resolution of the Sudanese Conflict in Darfur. This agreement provides a framework for negotiations.
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