California Divests from Genocidal Government of Sudan

California Divests from Genocidal Government of Sudan

Divestment Task Force Announces Tool for Individuals to Screen for Mutual Funds Funding Genocide in Darfur

US Congress Passes Related Bill but Refuses to Support Divestment Efforts

WASHINGTON, September 26, 2006 — The Genocide Intervention Network commends the state of California and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for divesting California’s three largest public shareholders from companies funding genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The Sudan Divestment Task Force, a project of GI-Net which mobilized thousands of California activists in support of the measure, will host a web conference tomorrow describing how individuals can screen their own mutual funds for companies funding the genocide. Joined at a ceremony yesterday by George Clooney, Don Cheadle, former US Secretary of State George Shultz and members of the California State Assembly, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed the divestment bills into law and declared, “Today I am signing two bills that will send a clear message across the globe: California will not stand for murder and genocide.

The Genocide Intervention Network is working to build the first permanent anti-genocide constituency in the United States, mobilizing the political will to stop genocide when it occurs. Accessible online at www.GenocideIntervention.net, GI-Net empowers individuals with tools to stop genocide through education, fundraising for civilian protection and advocacy efforts.

Contact: Ivan Boothe, Director of Communications, Genocide Intervention Network (202) 481-8109,