Background
Sudan has undergone constant political turmoil since it's independence in 1956, predominately coups with a few scattered elections. Since the establishment of a government in Sudan, christian rights have been endangered due to Islamic law enacted, while also rights to life and shelter have been ceased due to political turmoil. July 9th, 2011 signified South Sudan's independence, as it seceded from Sudan due to religious differences, although a prominent oil-rich town of Abyei continues to be fought over. Recently, a DMZ buffer zone has been agreed upon by the South Sudanese President and Sudanese Prime Minister. However, the recent December conflict erupted after the vice president Marchar was removed from office, and supporters of both the ex-vice and current president clashed. The Ugandan military was eventually called in to help, and a ceasefire was instated January 1st of this year, yet violence continues.
Call to Attention
In an article off the Oxfam America website, actress Kiera Knightly speaks about the terrible conditions she saw in South Sudan. Being quite fond of Ms. Knightly, I read the article and was astounded by how much Sudan been devastated- 4 million people in need of food due to loss of harvest, due to the continual showers sweeping Sudan. 4 million people cannot find food due to the loss of their land, unable to prepare for the oncoming season because of military fighting and upheaval. Kiera met with two widowers, whom both have children to attend to, but with their husbands gone, life is unbearable for all South Sudanese families. Their rights to life have become endangered; the article mentions children forced to play by sewage, and malnutrition being the ultimate cause of death. Imagine your children playing in toxic material, while you yourself to feeble to stop them. This is the fate of Sudanese women during this political conflict. Since the conflict broke out, the right to property has also been ceased from Sudanese families.Some 10,000 people have died since the conflict, 400,000 displaced from their homes, fleeing violence between political radicals and Ugandan soldiers. Families struggle to survive as farmers cannot bring in the harvest, displaced by violence and further impeded by seasonal rains. The UN has warned that 50,000 children could die if humanitarian aid does not increase to help Sudanese citizens. This is a major crisis that we all should relate to. We have families and friends who have the right to life and property, eating plentiful in a warm home. Due to this pesky conflict, however, the citizens of Sudan have lost these inherent rights, and lose children every day as a result. The people of South Sudan should not be punished for the selfish acts of radicals whom endanger the lives of so many.
(From OxFam America)
Kiera Knightly, meeting Rebecca, mother of two, and hearing of thehardships faced by families displaced by the turmoil.
Sources:
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/stories/keira-knightley-makes-a-plea-for-help-for-south-sudan/
http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/sudan/conflict-profile/#49
No comments:
Post a Comment