US film director Steven Spielberg has quit his role as an artistic adviser to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Spielberg said his decision was based on China’s role in providing Sudan with arms and not pressuring the country enough to end the suffering in the Darfur region. Over 2/3 of Sudanese oil is sold to Beijing in exchange for weapons. Furthermore, Beijing has also defended Khartoum in the UN Security Council.

Many atrocities continue to be committed in the Darfur conflict, which has left over 2 million people displaced and over 200,000 killed. In a statement, Spielberg said, “I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual.” He continued by saying that he would rather spend his time and energy trying to bring an end to the “unspeakable crimes” committed daily in Darfur. Though Spielberg placed blame on the government of Sudan, he also stressed that the international community, especially China, bears responsibility too.

Beijing has not responded to the new setback. The International Olympic Committee, however, has said that it was Spielberg’s personal decision, but that while it is a tragic and complex issue, it remains the UN’s responsibility to resolve. Nobel Peace Prize laureates, former Olympians, and actress Mia Farrow were among the many who welcomed Spielberg’s move. Human Rights Watch welcomed the news as well and hope it would encourage governments and corporations to pressure Beijing.

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