Senator Robach Announces Passage Of Legislation To Prohibit Investments That Support Genocide In Darfur

Joseph E. Robach

The atrocities in Darfur, the Southern region of Sudan, have resulted in estimated civilian deaths ranging from 50,000 to 200,000. Hundreds of thousands of people have been injured or maimed, nearly 1.5 million people are displaced, and the population is afflicted with famine and malnutrition. The Sudanese government arms and collaborates with a violent militia group, known as the Janjaweed, to conduct attacks against civilians. Countless lives have been ruined from systematic rape, wholesale destruction of vital living resources, malnutrition and appalling conditions in refugee camps.

“The atrocities in Sudan necessitate attention from our entire country, and New York State must do its part in stopping the genocide in Darfur” stated Senator Robach. He continued “New York needs to prevent the investment of pension funds in companies that conduct business in Sudan. As the Chair of the Civil Service and Pensions Committee, I know that the divestment of these funds will be an effective and morally responsible strategy to helping to stop genocide and terrorism” said Senator Robach.

Darfur region, by giving the Comptroller the option to divest from companies that are doing business in the Sudan.