shinethroughthedark

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Sources for Sudan post

Instagram:

bbcminute: Sudan Crisis: explained (posted 11th June 2019)

hu_asa: How you can help Sudan’s peaceful protests (posted 12th June 2019)

Online:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90363335/sudan-massacre-how-to-help-7-things-from-gofundme-to-unicef

https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/06/11/george-clooney-congress-save-sudan-227102

I’m sure there are many other websites, posts and more information out there. Do a little research and you’ll find things.

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The Sudan Crisis

The Sudan crisis is of global importance.

Non-violent pro-democracy protesters of the peaceful Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) were violently attacked by Sudan’s governmental militias, known as the ‘Janjaweed’, under the orders of their military leaders. It follows an ongoing rejection and removal of the 30-year dictator, Omar al-Bashir, guilty of war crimes such as ethnic cleansing, mass rape and massacre. However, many key military leaders were also complicit, or profited, from these brutal, corrupt actions and thus, when negotiations for democracy opened up and demonstrators continually demanded the dismantling of Sudan’s dictatorial system, the military leaders realised the situation and acted violently.

The World Health Organization reported at least 52 peaceful protesters killed and more than 700 injured, with other reports have estimated a higher death toll. Stories of women and children being raped, bodies dumped into the Nile River, and other eye-witness accounts of atrocities, the SPA called for “complete civil disobedience and open political strike.” In essence, the entire country is in lockdown.

Furthermore, the military has cut off the internet. Entirely. One of the main platforms of the SPA’s peaceful protest was through spreading awareness on social media; by cutting off the internet, the military have not only attempted to silence the rights of these individuals’ voices, they have also attempted to inhibit the rest of the world’s awareness and education of the situation.

But we, with freedom of access to social media and freedom of speech, can help.

We need to spread awareness.

1.       Change your profile picture to blue. It sounds pointless and childish but it shows your support. People will ask why you changed it – you can then explain. Most people are doing this on Instagram.

2.       Repost educational information. You could repost Instagram posts on your story, add links to newspaper articles on your Facebook and Twitter. Convince people to read them. It takes mere clicks of our fingers and five to ten minutes of our time, while others in Sudan are being murdered for doing so.

3.       Offer your voice. Get people talking about it. Mention it at your little coffee meeting. Before you go into your lecture. Ask your teacher if they’ve heard about it. Just bring it up, get the cogs whirring in other peoples’ heads.

4.       Donate.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/977085802497357/

https://www.gofundme.com/emergency-medical-aid-for-sudan

5.       Sign the petition.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/recognize-rapid-support-forces-led-general-hemedti-janjaweed-leader-sudan-terrorist-organization

6.       See what your government is doing.

U.S. – sending a top diplomat to Sudan to encourage talks

The African Union – voted to suspend Sudan

Egypt (ally of Sudan) - has been slow to respond. Its president is also the head of the African Union

United Arab Emirates – described what happened as a ‘massacre’ and called for an investigation

Saudia Arabia – provided economic aid to Sudan but has been slow to respond

The European Union – condemned the Sudanese military

You may be wondering: “Why? If I did these things, is it really going to help?” It is a valid question. The media and internet culture often makes us feel helpless to support; what is changing your profile picture really going to do? But the point is not what you’re doing – it’s the fact that you are doing something. Raising awareness, donating, getting people talking, offering support. That is what evokes action and change.

It shows that you care.

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D-Day Veterans

For the generation who defended our rights, our freedom and our future, we owe immense and immeasurable respect, kindness and love. It is our duty, as the next generation, not only to look forward, to strive for a safer, brighter future for those who will follow us, but also to look backwards, and remember all those who did the same for us.

We have a responsibility to honour and educate others on the memories of those who laid their lives down for us and, following the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, I humbly ask you to donate to, or at least tell others, about the Normandy Memorial Trust. The project is already underway, located at Ver-sur-Mer, and aims to commemorate those who fought at the Battle of Normandy, including the 22,442 British servicemen who lost their lives.

If you have the time, educate yourself. Read up on these incredible people and their stories. You will not be disappointed. These men, women and children were, and are, real-life superheroes. Long after our existence, they deserve to be remembered. 

Donate online at the Normandy Memorial Trust or text DDAY10 or DDAY20 (£10 or £20) to 70470. If not, do not worry - but spread the word. 

Memorials are a beautiful, peaceful and fitting way to commemorate, honour and remember our many war veterans. 

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A Beginning

Behind every insecurity, every fear, every worry or problem or fault is a human being. A person with real emotions, real problems and real happiness. We live such a short life on this planet and so, regardless of the obstacles life throws at us, make the most of your time here.

Be proud of who you are.

Be proud of where you come from.

Be proud of what you have achieved.

Be proud of what you will achieve.

Shine like a star through the dark night sky. Let the whole world see you, bright, happy and glowing.

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Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

‘The Lorax’ by Dr Seuss