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George Clooney, Google, U.N. Launch Satellite Initiative to Monitor Sudan

by Amar Toor on December 29, 2010 at 01:00 PM

george clooneyA 2005 peace deal may have put an official end to Sudan's brutal, 21-year civil war, but George Clooney, Google and several human rights organizations want to make sure that the country doesn't erupt in further violence during a crucial moment in its history.

Yesterday, Clooney and his colleagues announced the launch of the Satellite Sentinel Project, a new initiative that combines real-time satellite imagery with field work and analysis from the Enough Project, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and the U.N.'s UNOSAT program. The satellites will scan Sudan for burned villages, mass movements of people, or any other signs of violence. Researchers will then analyze the photos, and compare them with reports from humanitarian workers on the ground. Google, meanwhile, will work with development firm Trellon to provide the public with instant access to the information, via a new Web platform.

The idea, according to Clooney, is to keep a close eye on the historically unstable country, leading up to the January 9th referendum that could divide Sudan into two separate nations. "We want to let potential perpetrators of genocide and other war crimes know that we're watching, the world is watching," said the actor, whose organization, Not On Our Watch, funded the initiative. "War criminals thrive in the dark. It's a lot harder to commit mass atrocities in the glare of the media spotlight."

And, with such a critical vote looming on the horizon, close monitoring may be more critical than ever. The country has already seen a flurry of new violence in recent weeks, and Vice President Joe Biden has personally expressed Washington's concern over what might transpire as the referendum approaches. Constant surveillance will likely be just as important after the vote, as well -- especially if the Sudanese decide to divide the country, as many expect them to do. Of course, it would've been nice to see this kind of initiative before the Sudanese genocide. But, if Clooney's project really does help to keep the country under control, it may go a long way toward preventing yet another disaster.

Tags: africa, celebrities, darfur, GeorgeClooney, google, politics, sudan, top, UnitedNations, war

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