 "Photo:")
We each have an identity and most often than not we would define ourselves by the place we were either born in or currently reside. I for example would say that I am an Indian, and that I study in America now. My individuality is also defined by the fact that India is a country on this Earth. This makes me a citizen of the world and I am proud of this heritage. Being a world citizen is more than just being born; you have certain responsibilities towards your fellow citizens. Love for all humanity is just one of those responsibilities that I have learnt to accept and follow.
When a family member, a neighbor or a friend is in distress we try to ease their agony and help them in every way possible. This is human nature and it comes naturally to us even though we may not be the source of that pain. So as a citizen of this world why do we ignore the cries of people who live away from us? I am referring specifically to the victims of genocide, people in war torn Darfur where thousands of people including women and children are being tortured and slaughtered. It is pitiful to see that the international community is doing very little to save Darfur.
Everyone in the region is suffering the wrath of man. Loved ones, neighbors, and friends have become enemies and have taken to killing one another. There is very little protection for the lives of Darfurians. Widespread rape and killings have left many families in a severe state of turmoil and many children orphaned. But why should you care? It is not like you or your loved ones are being subjected to such heinous treatment. You could also leave this to the UN, the international community and the government of Darfur to deal with this. It is not your problem. You have way too many problems of your own to get into something that does not affect you. And anyways there is not much that you can do. This is completely understandable. But do not underestimate your contribution to the efforts to help secure peace for the region. Do not assume that there is nothing you can do to brighten a victim's future. For, if you do not stand today, it will be too late tomorrow. I would like to share reasons that will help you realize that the events around the globe do and will affect you and there is so much you can do to get engaged.
You are studying at West Georgia but someday you may go to work for a multinational company that has several branches around the globe, and one of them may just be Darfur. Would you still say that you do not care? You may have friends from Sudan, or better even a Sudanese boss or client. How would you then avoid the global link? In this recent age of globalization it is impossible to turn a deaf ear to global events. The youth of today are leaders tomorrow. In fact many students have in the past or are currently serving as student leaders. I call these leaders to get their team members to join the fight against genocide. I urge parents, faculty and staff to educate their children about respecting and embracing the value of diversity in their lives. Let us all serve as role models for those who look up to us and let us all walk towards ending the violence and influence of hate. Let us mean it when we utter "Never Again."
It is agreed that it is the governments of the nations that have the power to change things, but you have the power to wake them up. You have a right to speak out and take action on your campus and neighborhoods. Like with every project, taking baby steps towards its success is the best approach in this situation. You can plan and work on making your strategy work. And do not get despaired if a few of your ideas do not work. Try, try till you succeed. Some of the many things you could do on your part is to write to your local media and alert your community about the crisis, Sound the drumbeats and urge your local and national government to get involved, organize information forums, debates and panel discussions on campus, learn about, join and support organizations and NGO's that are devoted to the cause. Many of these NGO's have aid workers in Darfur and in refugee camps in Chad and neighboring countries who do a heroic job and could do with a little help on your part. Of course you are not permitted to go to Darfur due to the unsafe situation but your support and efforts do. Many of these organizations also accept donations. Don't let the saying "Students are always broke" stop you from donating a few dollars. Remember every dollar counts and giving up one pizza won't leave you starved but it can fill a tormented child's stomach with several days worth of food. So come let us stand together and help our fellow world citizens sleep peacefully at night and witness a beautiful sunrise. Let us give them hope of a future.
As an advocate of the crisis I feel that my efforts are paying off. I keep abreast of the current situation and available aid opportunities. To further my role in this fight against genocide I attended the Committee on Conscience's Genocide Prevention Advanced Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. during spring break. So when most of you were enjoying yourselves on the beach, many concerned students rom across the country accumulated at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. for a weekend to discuss various opportunities for advocacy and also to learn about recent developments in the crisis. There was so much to gain, and I can confidently state that this weekend was by far the most productive weekend I have ever spent. The panelists, speakers, and workshop facilitators were extremely knowledgeable and a majority of them brought their experience from actually having visited the war torn regions. Amongst the speakers were survivors of the genocide who shared their sad and overwhelming experience.
It was heartbreaking to learn from a Rwanda genocide survivor about her ordeal. Clemantine Wamariya is 17 now but was six when genocide erupted in Rwanda. She and her 16 year old sister were separated from her parents and witnessed the killings of her grandparents. They are currently living in the United States and share their stories. I couldn't help but cry and I felt so humbled when she thanked us for taking a genuine interest in ceasing the genocide. At a tender age of six most children would not even know what to do, let alone survive the atrocities. But her survival path is remarkable and touching.
Be the first to comment on this article!