Darfur Fast for Life

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.