Today I learned that Mia Farrow has undertaken a 3 week hungerstrike to bring further attention to the humanitarian crisis that continues in Darfur. She is only drinking water and has been posting very personal, home-made looking Youtube videos documenting her progress.
I did I search and I have yet to see anything posted about this topic. Mis Farrow's Youtube channel MiaFarrow2009 and its message is not getting the kind of attention I believe it deserves. So I thought I would do my part and raise the visibility a bit in this big-hearted community. I think it's important that people bring more attention to her fast and, if possible, participate in her journey to experience a bit of what Darfur suffers every day while helping to bring attention to this horrifying situation.
Here is Mia's video from today:
Mia has been a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador for a number of years and has visited Darfur three times in the past. She clearly has a good, first-hand grasp of why this time is so critical for Sudan. While her spririts are up, she seems to be tired and weak... and the poor woman is already so tiny! This entire endeavor could have some legitimate effects on her health. Let's do our part to show her some support.
There has been a lot said about Darfur within progressive communities and by NGO organizations, but it never hurts to be reminded how dire the situation TRULY is:
You may remember that in March of this year a warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court for Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the president of Sudan for "a five year campaign of violence in Darfur.". Since then al-Bashir has expelled foreign aid workers in an insane act of paranoia or retribution. This has resulted in the exodus of NGO's from the region, including Action contra la Faim (ACF), CARE, CHF International, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Norwegian Refugee Council, Medecins Sans Frontieres - France (MSF France), Medecins Sans Frontieres - Holland (MSF Holland), Mercy Corps, Oxfam and Save the Children UK, and Save the Children US, and Solidarities.
Oxfam issued a statement detailing the effects such action would (and is) taking:
"If Oxfam's registration is revoked, it will affect more than 600,000 Sudanese people whom we provide with vital humanitarian and development aid, including clean water and sanitation on a daily basis," Penny Lawrence, Oxfam's International Director, said in a statement.
The agency's statement added that "400,000 of them are affected by the ongoing conflict in Darfur -- where people continue to flee from violence and the humanitarian needs remain enormous. It will also affect another 200,000 poor people in the east of the country and Khartoum state."
These organizations are ESSENTIAL in providing access to clean water, medical care, food, shelter, disease control and hygiene education, and other much-needed resources for refugees in Sudan. It seems as though, as domestic economies in Western countries take a nosedive, our willingness or ability to open our eyes to injustice occuring abroad is seriously deadened. Wake up folks! Any semblance of stability in the region right now isn't going to last for long without this humanitarian aid!
Luckily we have a number of Democratic House Representatives who are doing their part to shed light on the situation. Representatives John Lewis, Jim McGovern, Keith Ellison, Donna Edwards, and Lynn Woolsey were all arrested outside the Sudanese embassy after some old school non-violent civil disobedience (hell yeah). Clicking on their names above will link you to their Congressional contact pages. THANK THEM and let you know you appreciate what they did!
I know that we have all heard a lot about Darfur, and given our own problems here in the United States, some of you may not want to dwell on a situation that is so hopeless and so far from home. Don't fall prey to compassion fatigue!!!! I know it's difficult to find room in your heart for every single one of the world's injustices, but at this moment I am asking that you do at least one thing... Take a moment to thank the aforementioned House Reps. Comment on Mia Farrow's Youtube channel and share her message with friends and family or even visit her corresponding website, FastDarfur.org, and pledge to fast for a day or a week in solidarity with the people of Darfur. Or even, donate a small OR LARGE amount within your means to a reputable NGO who is helping to improve the humanitarian situation in Sudan and countries like the Sudan.
Rediscover your anger and your common humanity with these people who are suffering. I may sound idealistic or painfully earnest... but is that really the worst thing? I'd rather be earnest than disengaged, I guess. It's the least I can do. Please join me.
UPDATE: Here is a link to a list of International Relief Organizations as rated by the American Institute of Philathropy: http://www.charitywatch.org/... Not all of them necessarily provide aid to Darfur, especially at this point in time, but the ones with good ratings would be incredibly grateful for any assistance you could provide! Thanks indiemcemopants for the reminder!