How much more murder, carnage and rape will it take for the international community to wake up to the horror of Darfur? If numbers of lives lost is the qualifying factor, then a conservative estimate of over 200,000 people have perished in this conflict, not to mention the 2.5 million refugees who are living in displaced people’s camps. If numbers don’t suffice, then surely the chilling reality that there is a genocide happening in Darfur would make people sit up and take notice? Or the horrendous truth that it is a genocide presided over by the Sudanese government against their own people, largely delegated to the Arab Janjaweed militias?

One would think that the numbers killed and the method of the killing would be enough for the world to unite and say, collectively and loudly, ‘not again, and not on our watch’. Sadly, this hasn’t happened and instead the world, which in the last 70 years has seen both the Jewish and Rwandan Holocausts unfold, has given a more muted response to the situation in Darfur. Coupled with the UN’s commitment to the responsibility to protect just two years ago, blame turns to the international community and its unwillingness to match words with action.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t individuals, organisations and even governments fighting for something to be done. The British government has been arguing for a no fly zone and targeted sanctions aimed at Sudan’s ruling elite. Organisations like Aegis and Amnesty, among others, have done a good job in raising the issue and lobbying politicians, as have individuals who have turned out time and time again to demonstrate and make their feelings heard.

At many of these rallies and demonstrations, Darfuri refugees and Auschwitz survivors share the stage and when they talk you realise the enormity of the fact that, in the globalised world of 2007, genocide is happening not far from our doorstep. And though these demonstrations are well organised, you can’t help but feel saddened by the lack of turnout. If the invasion of Iraq provoked 750,000 people to march the streets of London, then why do only 1,000 of us come out to protest about the mass slaughter and rape of men, women and children?

In recent times, many on the left have thought hard about this question. Commentators such as Nick Cohen, Jonathan Freedland and David Aaronovitch have correctly expressed wonder at the British left’s relative silence on this issue. The righteous outrage that people felt about Iraq has served only to limit the number of people willing to stand up and be counted on Darfur. This triumvirate has rightly been praised for raising the issue of Darfur more than others, but limiting the voice of the intellectual left to three journalists writing a comment piece every now and then, feels too little in the face of this 21st century massacre.

Some reflect that the real tragedy of Iraq has been to make governments afraid of getting involved in overseas intervention, even on the basis of genocide prevention. This may be the case, but surely this doesn’t preclude those who were against the Iraq war from taking a stand against genocide in Darfur, even if their chosen solution would not involve intervention?

Many people in the Labour party and progressive community also question whether they have done enough – has Darfur dominated party meetings in the way Iraq did? Does the Labour party have enough parliamentary voices shouting loud and clear on Darfur, lobbying the government day in day out to be braver and do more? Have we organised enough on this issue, demonstrating that our commitment to human rights and justice does not end at our shores?

There are ways in which individuals, as well as governments and lobby groups can make a difference. Recently, the Aegis Trust and partners have launched an international campaign for the divestment of funds in foreign countries, including pensions and savings, whose revenues support the Sudanese government. Peter Hain has been vocal in his support of this policy, and other ministers may follow suit. Party members can raise the issue in their meetings, and organise events highlighting the cause. In this spirit, Progress has put together an event titled, ‘The left and Darfur: genocide on our watch?’ on the 10th July in the House of Commons, and we are hoping for a big turnout.

For many, Darfur has sad echoes of Rwanda, where nearly 1 million perished. It was a Conservative government in charge in the UK at that time, but a Democratic White House in Washington. President Clinton has since made much of his regret that he did not do enough to prevent this genocide. He has said, ‘we must have global vigilance. And never again must we be shy in the face of the evidence’.

It is this statement of never again that must chill the hearts of all of those fighting for justice in Darfur. But there is still time to make a stand, to make our voice heard and to ensure Darfur suffers no more. Only then can we try and formulate a world where never again means precisely that, and we do not witness more genocide and massacre on our watch.