About 30 human rights activists protested Saturday outside the World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta, scolding the world's largest beverage firm for its sponsorship of the Beijing Olympics.

Atlanta-based Coke has drawn criticism from some groups for not pressuring China to help stop the violence in Darfur, a region of Sudan where an estimated 200,000 people have been killed. China is a major trading partner and weapons supplier to Sudan.

"Hey Coke, you can't hide. Help us stop this genocide," protestors shouted as tourists strolled by on a sunny afternoon.

The protests had little effect on those visiting the World of Coca-Cola, a popular downtown Atlanta attraction. Lines of people streamed around the building, waiting to get into the Coke facility. Tourists filed out with their souvenir Coke bottles in hand.

The event was organized by the Georgia chapters of the Student Anti-Genocide Coalition and Dream for Darfur, a New York-based group. A protest also is planned Sunday for Coke's New York offices. Organizers of the Atlanta event had hoped to draw about 200 protesters.

"Even these 30 people are here for a cause," said Mariam Abuhaideri, 23, the Georgia state outreach coordinator for the Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. "We're getting our word out ... That's the whole idea – to get our word out there and let Coca-Cola hear the voice of its consumers."

Coca-Cola has declined to take a political stance on the issue, but the company has committed more than $5 million over the next three years to humanitarian aid in Sudan.

"We continue to be engaged and active in doing what we can to help the situation in Darfur, including providing immediate relief to those on the ground," Coke said in a statement Saturday. "As an Olympic partner, we hope that all parties can build on the openness of the Olympics and the Olympic Truce to positively engage the world, rather than tearing down one of the world's few unifying and inspiring events."

Coke's humanitarian aid is appreciated, said Tahir Hassan, 54, a Birmingham, Ala., cab driver and Darfur activist at Saturday's event. Hassan said he left Darfur 12 years ago.

Coke can use its sponsorship of the Beijing Olympics to help bring peace to Darfur, he said. "We want Coca-Cola to use that weight to tell the Chinese to do the right thing," Hassan said.