Gov. Rick Perry will sign legislation today preventing state retirement funds from being invested in corporations that benefit the Sudanese government.
The Holocaust Museum Houston will hold the official signing of Senate Bill 247, "Stop the Darfur Genocide Act" at 2:45 p.m. today.
"It will have significant on the government of Sudan," HMH spokesman Ira Perry said.
The bill, a bipartisan effort filed by the Houston-area state congressmen, passed unanimously in the House on May 16.
The conflict – branded an act of genocide by the U.S. Department of State – began in 2003 when government-backed militias called Janjaweed launched a brutal campaign against local rebel groups and other minorities. A small contingency of African Union peacekeepers currently occupies the war-ravaged region.
Ira Perry said that economic pressure might be an answer to the way Sudanese officials have been governing the country, and might change the conditions that the people are experiencing.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, approximately 200,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Chad. Human rights organizations estimate the number of dead to between 200,000 and 400,000.
"By using Texas’ economic influence and limiting our investments in companies which do business in Sudan, we can help influence that government to help its own people and stop the bloodshed there," Ira Perry said.
HMH has joined with the Genocide Intervention Network in spreading awareness of the conflict in the western Darfur region of Sudan.
The event will also feature performance by Big Kenny of the country music duo Big ‘ Rich, a Grammy award nominee and activist lending his support.
Local community leaders and Holocaust survivors will also be attend to show their support for the legislation.
The Holocaust Museum Houston is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and located at 5401 Caroline St.
