For several decades, Sudan has been a country under much political turmoil caused by the clashes between the various communities and ethnic groups. The ethnic Sudanese have been brutalized and murdered, starting from the Christian south of Sudan and the genocide has spread to the Muslim Darfur region. Each day, these civilians have to face the harsh realities of their country from the massive attacks on their villages to bombings and torture. Since 2003, in the region of Darfur more than 200,000 people have died of disease and conflict. Although, a power sharing agreement has been signed, the suffering still continues.
The “Break the Chains” bracelets campaign, sponsored by the FAU Human Rights Organization, just kicked off this past semester and will run through the upcoming fall. These rope bracelets are only $1 and the proceeds will go directly to the American Anti-Slavery Group, which supports the end of the mass genocide, displacement, rape, and starvation of the Sudanese.
The American Anti-Slavery Group is the first American organization since the Civil War, dedicated to the abolishment of modern day slavery. It was founded in 1994 by Dr. Charles Jacobs, who after learning the horrors of modern day slavery; contacted the other two founders, Mohammed Athie of Mauritania and David Chand of Sudan. Together they reached out to several activists and human rights agencies, as well as met with survivors of the Sudan crisis. After ten years, they have recruited 45,000 activists who actively support their cause. They have also helped free over 80,000 slaves. The assemblies of supporters come from different ideological backgrounds as well as various cultures and regions around the world.
In conjunction with this fundraiser, the HRO joined the MTV Action-STANDFast Campaign, which also help to raise funds for the suffering Sudanese in the Darfur region. In addition to fundraising they try to raise awareness about this tormented country. Over 150 college campuses are collaborating as well. The basic idea is for students to donate the money otherwise spent in buying something you enjoy, like a candy bar or a packet of cigarettes. Donations can be made through the FAU branch of Bank Atlantic from April 7-19 and from there, they are sent to the non-religious relief agency, Care USA.
If you wish to find out more about these fundraisers or have any additional questions on the FAU Human Rights Organization and its sponsored events you can visit their website www.fau-hro.org or contact Nancy Fowler at [email protected].
