Darfur Fast for Life

Published April 27, 2009 @ 04:15AM PT

Today marks the 100th day of the Obama Administration’s leadership in Washington. It is also Day 1,691 of inadequate action since the United States called Darfur genocide (September 9, 2004). And Day 53 since an arrest warrant was issued for the President of Sudan and essential aid agencies were expelled from the region (March 4th, 2009).

It is Day 1 of Darfur Fast for Life.

Today Mia Farrow will begin a water only fast to stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur and as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has watched so many innocent men, women, and children needlessly die of starvation, thirst and disease. On this first day, more than 60 Darfur advocates from around the world will support Mia by fasting water-only or by eating refugee rations. In the days to come, more will join. Mia intends to go for 21 days on nothing but water, and when she can not continue any longer, she prays that another and then another will take over for her.

This is not a campaign created by large organizations, but a grassroots movement lead by participants from communities like Redding, CA, San Antonio,TX and Minnesota to create the critical mass that moves our leaders beyond words to action that creates a just and lasting peace for Sudan. Mia made the decision to put her body and life on the line after nearly a dozen trips to the region, hundreds of blog posts and posted photos, and several national campaigns. Our leaders have not gotten the message: ending the genocide in Darfur must be a national priority.

For me, Darfur Fast for Life is a way to stand in solidarity with those whom I know personally from the camps. For my sister Achta and her husband Adef, who have buried two of their children since the day their village was attacked; one in the desert, and one in a refugee camp. For Khadija and her mother Dajhima, who must live everyday with the horrors they have physically endured. For little Leila, who represents the generation of Darfuris who lack any proper nutrition for growth, and who have only known a camp as their home.

I urge you to join us as we fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child.

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Comments (3)

Compliments, my "water only" day is 4 May.

Posted by Camillo Di Cicco on 04/27/2009 @ 05:34AM PT
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Hi Camillo,
As a sign of support for Mia Farrow's efforts and to stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur i have completed my 24 hour fast. No big deal, i did not feel hunger pains or have to sit by and watch my child cry as it suffers and dies before my eyes. I did not have to wonder why the rest of the world thought our lives were not worthy of saving. I did not have to walk for miles for a drink of water, or wake up the next day not knowing where my next meal was coming from.
I did however come out of it with not only a deep feeling of connection with these people, i would like to use the word "spiritual" here, but also a sense of guilt (for all that i have and all that they have not) and shame and a stronger resolve to continue the fight for not only the people of Darfur but all the souls of the world who suffer NEEDLESSLY.
I post this to remind anyone who reads it that we can change the world, one by one, as long as we NEVER GIVE UP

Posted by Jean Lowery on 05/02/2009 @ 08:59PM PT
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My "water only" day is 1st May.

Posted by Jean Lowery on 04/28/2009 @ 10:08PM PT
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Author

Katie-Jay Scott is a community organizer who has worked with communities and NGOs in Thailand, Guatemala, Portland, OR, Los Angeles, Darfuris living in refugee camps in Eastern Chad, and anti-genocide activists across the nation.