Fasting for Darfur
Posted by Victoria Trabosh on Fri, Apr 24, 2009 @ 01:36 PM
In my work in Rwanda one the most devastating issues
is ignorance.
Not by the Rwandan people, but of the world and its view
of what is going on in East/Central Africa.
I go to Rwanda
because this country chooses not to be identified by its genocide but
by the strength and resilience of its people. The foundation I
co-founded, Itafari http://itafari.org
focuses on partnerships with local Rwandan organizations that have
hopes and dreams for themselves and their people. What better way to
make a difference than to work with those in country who are
transparent, ethical and passionate. It is good work.
But there is a grave issue that is not changing
just north of Rwanda. A personal concern of mine has been Darfur in
western Sudan and the genocide and atrocities taking place in that
country. The world must not turn its back. This is not an African
problem, but a human right's atrocity.
Mia Farrow http://MiaFarrow.org
has been an outspoken advocate for ending the violence and atrocities
committed against women, children and all people in the Darfur region.
Prior
to the Beijing Olympics, she tried to call attention to the part China
was playing in the genocide through their support of weapons to the
janjaweed (the Rwandan equivalent of the 1994 genocidaires). She called
it the Genocide Olympics. If you find that deeply offensive, you've not
seen the results of a genocide to the survivors, the families, the
victims. It is indescribable the pain they bear. And often because the
world chooses to turn its back. Politics appeared to eclipse human
rights issues and again: Darfur was ignored.
Farrow's latest action is to fast for 21 days beginning April 27th. I have decided to fast as well. So join me, support me through messages and learn why increased action is necessary.
Do
you think 21 days sounds like a long time? It's not, because in 21 days
the fast will be over. If we don't do something to support the victims
of Darfur, it will be another 21 years.
The Darfur Genocide: A Present Reality http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXdWDM4fmRY&NR=1
A Ten Minute Overview of the conflict in Sudan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USLDoIiFzzg&NR=1
http://savedarfur.org
We can do more.