Snow Patrol and Amnesty International have called on the Northern Irish public to take action to stop the horrific human rights abuses taking place in Darfur, Sudan. Snow Patrol are urging people to sign an innovative online petition calling on the UN to send a peacekeeping force to protect civilians from armed groups.

Since 2003, hundreds of thousands have been killed, thousands of Women's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights and girls raped, and millions displaced from their homes.

In May 2006, the Sudanese Government and one rebel faction signed an agreement. But violence has actually increased, and the African Union mission in Sudan is unwilling or unable to protect people effectively. Today the UN is in a unique position to pressurise the Sudanese government and get its blue helmets on the ground to protect civilians. It is time to send a message to the UN: less talk, more noise, more action!

Snow Patrol, have been campaigning on Darfur as part of Amnesty’s Make Some Noise campaign, a global music venture which aims to engage people through music to stand up for human rights.

Gary Lightbody said:

"Today in Darfur, widespread atrocities based on prejudice, hate and injustice are taking place out of the public eye. We want people to take action urgently with Amnesty International to help save lives through the UN.

“We support Amnesty because we have lived our whole lives in freedom - music is a good way of bringing awareness to people without ramming it down their throats because it is something everyone can relate to.”

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Programme Director said:

“Snow Patrol have been long-time supporters of Amnesty. By urging the people of Northern Ireland and beyond to back this campaign calling for UN intervention in Darfur, they are trying to helping to stop further atrocities = and save lives.”

Take action - Call for a UN peacekeeping force to go to Darfur