Kony Campaign: How Can We Turn Awareness Into Action?

Joseph Kony Uganda LRA

Joseph Kony (STUART PRICE/AFP/Getty Images)

In the span of just a few days, Invisible Children’s #Kony2012 campaign has generated an avalanche of attention on Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony.

The world should know who Kony is. But Kony is but one fugitive from justice among many, operating in a region faced with systemic human rights challenges requiring effective and transformative action.

Awareness is an important first step. But we need to stop all the Konys of the world.

For more than two decades, Amnesty International has documented crimes committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army and their horrific impact on the lives of thousands of civilians in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda.

But impunity doesn’t stop there.  Amnesty has documented grave abuses not only in Africa, but also in Syria, Burma (Myanmar), and Sri Lanka, and we’ve called on the international community to hold accountable leaders of governments and armed groups alike who are responsible for those abuses.

How can we pool our efforts to stop those responsible for the world’s worst crimes?  How can we make sure weapons don’t end up in the hands of other Konys?  How can we work with local communities to ensure justice is served?

Join us for an online chat on Tuesday, March 13 from 1-2pm ET / 10-11am PT with our experts Adotei Akwei, Director of Government Relations and International Advocacy, and Scott Edwards, Director of the Tactical Response Unit.

–> RSVP for the chat here

AIUSA welcomes a lively and courteous discussion that follow our Community Guidelines. Comments are not pre-screened before they post but AIUSA reserves the right to remove any comments violating our guidelines.

65 thoughts on “Kony Campaign: How Can We Turn Awareness Into Action?

  1. A favor siempre de los derechos humanos y en contra de todo tipo de dictaduras, masacres, destruccion, guerras, etc…

  2. I had no idea he existed and what he did.
    So, making the world aware is certainly a first step. I can't know this and not do something, be it just sharing the information, something to make sure that we do not forget about these children, or donating to causes when I can, which is only peanuts as I'm always bordering on broke, but if we all do a little bit, whatever little or much we can.

  3. A favor siempre de los derechos humanos y en contra de todo tipo de dictaduras, masacres, destruccion, guerras, etc…

  4. I had no idea he existed and what he did.
    So, making the world aware is certainly a first step. I can’t know this and not do something, be it just sharing the information, something to make sure that we do not forget about these children, or donating to causes when I can, which is only peanuts as I’m always bordering on broke, but if we all do a little bit, whatever little or much we can.

  5. One of the ways in which we can stop human rights abuses, is to exercise our power over business. By refusing to buy from businesses who support these people. However, the problem is that consumers will often look at the cheapness of a thing. Thinking that is more important than the human rights abuses that are used to get these things on the shop floor.

  6. We have to pool our efforts to stop those responsible for the world’s worst crimes

  7. One of the ways in which we can stop human rights abuses, is to exercise our power over business. By refusing to buy from businesses who support these people. However, the problem is that consumers will often look at the cheapness of a thing. Thinking that is more important than the human rights abuses that are used to get these things on the shop floor.

  8. We have to pool our efforts to stop those responsible for the world’s worst crimes

  9. I think that the trading of arms is the main problem here. The supply of weapons to these sorts of tyrants needs to be stopped. I think it should be made illegal for any one to make a profit out of manufacturing or selling weapons. Also make it illegal for weapons to be traded across boarders. In other words countries would only be able to make weapons for there own armies. A lot of these tyrannical regimes, that carry out human rights atrocities, do not have their own means of producing weapons and ammunition. Stop their supply of weapons and ammo and they are no longer a threat.

  10. I think that the trading of arms is the main problem here. The supply of weapons to these sorts of tyrants needs to be stopped. I think it should be made illegal for any one to make a profit out of manufacturing or selling weapons. Also make it illegal for weapons to be traded across boarders. In other words countries would only be able to make weapons for there own armies. A lot of these tyrannical regimes, that carry out human rights atrocities, do not have their own means of producing weapons and ammunition. Stop their supply of weapons and ammo and they are no longer a threat.

  11. To remove darkness, bring in the light, God's light, the light of humankind in every religious leader under God. seek the effectiveness of the light of God in your religion, which is kindness, love, gratitude for what you have, loving behavior, love for yourself, love for your neighbors, kindness towards them; find the quiet place within yourself and enjoy it, enjoy all of life from that quiet, humble, profound p lace within you, that becomes the whole surroundings. Cultivate this habit of enjoying happiness in with the simple, and quiet or laughter-filled joy of life. Enjoy the wisdom of your own intelligent knowing.

  12. I think you need to consider that you have been scammed, hook, line and sinker. As early as last week the news was out that this viral video on Kony was a religious right scam. Really search deeper.

  13. To remove darkness, bring in the light, God’s light, the light of humankind in every religious leader under God. seek the effectiveness of the light of God in your religion, which is kindness, love, gratitude for what you have, loving behavior, love for yourself, love for your neighbors, kindness towards them; find the quiet place within yourself and enjoy it, enjoy all of life from that quiet, humble, profound p lace within you, that becomes the whole surroundings. Cultivate this habit of enjoying happiness in with the simple, and quiet or laughter-filled joy of life. Enjoy the wisdom of your own intelligent knowing.

  14. I think you need to consider that you have been scammed, hook, line and sinker. As early as last week the news was out that this viral video on Kony was a religious right scam. Really search deeper.

  15. Where was Amnesty International and all the Hollywood Celebrities during The Franklin Coverup? I believe the Washington Post ran and article immediately following the bust and then the entire media turned a blind eye. Why wasn't there any coverage on that?? Why was that entire story squashed? That was the most disturbing story of our time involving children from Boys Town, and other Social Service Agencies in The US being prostituted out to our politicians and international elite in an organized fashion, while being unknowningly billed to the tax payer. Why don't you do a story on that??? These children were not only used for the sex slave trade with the consent of everyone involved but also for things of a much more horrific nature like snuff films. I think that story rivals this Kony guy. You don't have to look any further than your back yard for atrocities committed against children. There have been several books and documentaries on the topic, this was a very disturbing case that was swept under the rug.

  16. Where was Amnesty International and all the Hollywood Celebrities during The Franklin Coverup? I believe the Washington Post ran and article immediately following the bust and then the entire media turned a blind eye. Why wasn’t there any coverage on that?? Why was that entire story squashed? That was the most disturbing story of our time involving children from Boys Town, and other Social Service Agencies in The US being prostituted out to our politicians and international elite in an organized fashion, while being unknowningly billed to the tax payer. Why don’t you do a story on that??? These children were not only used for the sex slave trade with the consent of everyone involved but also for things of a much more horrific nature like snuff films. I think that story rivals this Kony guy. You don’t have to look any further than your back yard for atrocities committed against children. There have been several books and documentaries on the topic, this was a very disturbing case that was swept under the rug.

  17. I do not condone these actions.
    All you will achieve is another war in the hands of USA.
    We will bring destruction and havoc to a nation that has repeatedly wanted foreign intervention limited to humanitarian aid.
    DO NOT ASK OBAMA TO involve US troupes or CIA in Africa.
    We all know this is yet another attempt to remove control from leadership into the so called hands of the people – and stage "Democracy" that US controls.
    I do not condone Kony propaganda nor support him. The African state government needs support to remove such perpetrators. US intervention is not desired, because it always has strings attached and ultimately will hurt the people on the ground. US tactics are corrupt and only to gain mineral wealth.
    Stop inciting global democracy and begin healing the nation. We can help the world by reducing war efforts.

    Sincerely,
    Ranil

  18. I do not condone these actions.
    All you will achieve is another war in the hands of USA.
    We will bring destruction and havoc to a nation that has repeatedly wanted foreign intervention limited to humanitarian aid.
    DO NOT ASK OBAMA TO involve US troupes or CIA in Africa.
    We all know this is yet another attempt to remove control from leadership into the so called hands of the people – and stage “Democracy” that US controls.
    I do not condone Kony propaganda nor support him. The African state government needs support to remove such perpetrators. US intervention is not desired, because it always has strings attached and ultimately will hurt the people on the ground. US tactics are corrupt and only to gain mineral wealth.
    Stop inciting global democracy and begin healing the nation. We can help the world by reducing war efforts.

    Sincerely,
    Ranil

  19. Seriously, You just lost all credibility with this Kony (phony) propaganda. I cannot believe tht you fell for this and now are calling action on it…did you realize it has to do with the fact that they just discovered oil worth in the billions in Uganda that all this call for military action has begun??? Get a life and get educated. You are no longer on my mailing list and I have cancelled all support.

  20. Seriously, You just lost all credibility with this Kony (phony) propaganda. I cannot believe tht you fell for this and now are calling action on it…did you realize it has to do with the fact that they just discovered oil worth in the billions in Uganda that all this call for military action has begun??? Get a life and get educated. You are no longer on my mailing list and I have cancelled all support.

  21. Why not raise some funds and pay a mercenary force like Blackwater to go after him?

  22. Has everybody not hear, KONY may not even be alive, no one has seen him in 6 years…you people or shall I say sheeple, keep falling for the propaganda, they keep pulling the wool over your eyes to go for another country that has found OIL, he is the Saddam, the new face of evil??? GAWD people are plain stupid at this point….I wanna give up. GET EDUCATED!!!

  23. Why not raise some funds and pay a mercenary force like Blackwater to go after him?

  24. Has everybody not hear, KONY may not even be alive, no one has seen him in 6 years…you people or shall I say sheeple, keep falling for the propaganda, they keep pulling the wool over your eyes to go for another country that has found OIL, he is the Saddam, the new face of evil??? GAWD people are plain stupid at this point….I wanna give up. GET EDUCATED!!!

  25. Africa doesn't need further implication from USA. Who do you think you are to decide for african people? This imperialism must stop.
    We're fed up with your so-called good-will. You're a part of the problems that exist in Africa!!!

  26. Africa doesn’t need further implication from USA. Who do you think you are to decide for african people? This imperialism must stop.
    We’re fed up with your so-called good-will. You’re a part of the problems that exist in Africa!!!

  27. Really, I find if fascinating that the person telling me to STFUUU Cannot even spell the word "know" or her own name, see above for her rants. First of, I have read approximately 18 articles regarding Kony and the situation he has created. I also happen to have read through the PDF with "Invisible Children" financial reports, which shows clearly that the most of the money has been used for film making and paying speakers to rally support up for military intervention, what is more interesting is that their main supporter financially is CHASE bank, also the main source of finance for TULLY OIL, the same oil company trying to get the newly discovered oil out of Uganda. Follow the money, and you will find who is behind KONY 2012. There is no doubt he committed atrocities, but to instigate and call for military action is absurd considering the facts. America is in a debt crisis caused by an unresolved 11 year war that has done nothing more than get soldiers killed and keep American's paying unreal taxes for an undeclared war. If that is not enough to set of red flags, I don't know what is. So before you go on calling me stupid, learn to spell, speak and write Chelsea Miller.

  28. Really, I find if fascinating that the person telling me to STFUUU Cannot even spell the word "know" or her own name, see above for her rants. First of, I have read approximately 18 articles regarding Kony and the situation he has created. I also happen to have read through the PDF with "Invisible Children" financial reports, which shows clearly that the most of the money has been used for film making and paying speakers to rally support up for military intervention, what is more interesting is that their main supporter financially is CHASE bank, also the main source of finance for TULLY OIL, the same oil company trying to get the newly discovered oil out of Uganda. Follow the money, and you will find who is behind KONY 2012. There is no doubt he committed atrocities, but to instigate and call for military action is absurd considering the facts. America is in a debt crisis caused by an unresolved 11 year war that has done nothing more than get soldiers killed and keep American's paying unreal taxes for an undeclared war. If that is not enough to set of red flags, I don't know what is. So before you go on calling me stupid, learn to spell, speak and write Chelsea Miller.

  29. Viviana please, could you give me a link so I could read this PDF.
    I need some evidences, some friends of mine are stupidly supporting this campaign.
    Pardon my bad english, I'm french 😉

  30. Really, I find if fascinating that the person telling me to STFUUU Cannot even spell the word “know” or her own name, see above for her rants. First of, I have read approximately 18 articles regarding Kony and the situation he has created. I also happen to have read through the PDF with “Invisible Children” financial reports, which shows clearly that the most of the money has been used for film making and paying speakers to rally support up for military intervention, what is more interesting is that their main supporter financially is CHASE bank, also the main source of finance for TULLY OIL, the same oil company trying to get the newly discovered oil out of Uganda. Follow the money, and you will find who is behind KONY 2012. There is no doubt he committed atrocities, but to instigate and call for military action is absurd considering the facts. America is in a debt crisis caused by an unresolved 11 year war that has done nothing more than get soldiers killed and keep American’s paying unreal taxes for an undeclared war. If that is not enough to set of red flags, I don’t know what is. So before you go on calling me stupid, learn to spell, speak and write Chelsea Miller.

  31. Really, I find if fascinating that the person telling me to STFUUU Cannot even spell the word “know” or her own name, see above for her rants. First of, I have read approximately 18 articles regarding Kony and the situation he has created. I also happen to have read through the PDF with “Invisible Children” financial reports, which shows clearly that the most of the money has been used for film making and paying speakers to rally support up for military intervention, what is more interesting is that their main supporter financially is CHASE bank, also the main source of finance for TULLY OIL, the same oil company trying to get the newly discovered oil out of Uganda. Follow the money, and you will find who is behind KONY 2012. There is no doubt he committed atrocities, but to instigate and call for military action is absurd considering the facts. America is in a debt crisis caused by an unresolved 11 year war that has done nothing more than get soldiers killed and keep American’s paying unreal taxes for an undeclared war. If that is not enough to set of red flags, I don’t know what is. So before you go on calling me stupid, learn to spell, speak and write Chelsea Miller.

  32. Viviana please, could you give me a link so I could read this PDF.
    I need some evidences, some friends of mine are stupidly supporting this campaign.
    Pardon my bad english, I’m french 😉

  33. It is interesting to note how much intelligent life can(not) be found in article responses. (I guess this makes me a triple fool.) Then again, maybe we should forgive them because no one really takes their opinions seriously in the outside world, and only the internet have they found the right to speak without being mocked or ridiculed.

  34. It is interesting to note how much intelligent life can(not) be found in article responses. (I guess this makes me a triple fool.) Then again, maybe we should forgive them because no one really takes their opinions seriously in the outside world, and only the internet have they found the right to speak without being mocked or ridiculed.

  35. Please leave Africa alone. Why can't you fix amerikkka? This is just another excuse to attack people of color. We should pay more attention to the extreme unjustice in amerikkka like the mass incarceration of the black male.

  36. Please leave Africa alone. Why can’t you fix amerikkka? This is just another excuse to attack people of color. We should pay more attention to the extreme unjustice in amerikkka like the mass incarceration of the black male.

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