July 22 – 23, 2011
noon to noon, Join the Global Hunger Strike for Darfur!
On July 9, 2011, the world recognized South Sudan’s independence from Khartoum’s brutal regime. On July 22, 2004, this same regime was accused by Congress of committing genocide in Darfur. Seven years later, the protection of civilians remains unattainable as violent attacks against civilians, blockades of humanitarian access, systematic rape, brutal arrests and torture continue in Darfur. Please scroll down to see list of participants.
Speak out for the victims of genocide! On July 22nd, join Darfuris Against Genocide’s 24-hour global hunger strike to re-invigorate international engagement in Darfur.
Step 1:
Sign up to participate in the global hunger strike. Send e-mail with your name and city to: join@fastdarfur.org. Be 1 of 10,000 participants and demonstrate to government leaders that Darfur is a priority.
Step 2:
Participate with Darfuris in the global hunger strike from 12pm on July 22nd to 12pm on July 23rd (water allowed).
Step 3:
During the 24-hour global hunger strike, contact your government officials and ask for:
- immediate protection of civilians
- unimpeded humanitarian access
- accountability for the crimes against humanity committed by Khartoum’s regime
- justice for the genocide victims and atrocities committed in Darfur and throughout Sudan.
If you live in the US, call 1-800-GENOCIDE
Step 4:
Tell your friends! Email this message and post it on your Facebook page:
Leading up to the hunger strike:
Starting at noon on July 22nd, I will participate in a 24-hour global hunger strike for Darfur to draw attention to the ongoing genocide in this region of Sudan. Please join at http://fastdarfur.org
On the day of the hunger strike:
Today I’m participating in a global hunger strike for Darfur to draw attention to the ongoing genocide in this region of Sudan. Learn more at www.fastdarfur.org
I’m on a hunger strike to end genocide in Darfur! Join me at www.fastdarfur.org
Extra steps:
- Write a letter to the editor
- Join Darfuris Against Genocide at noon on July 22nd at the White House as they launch the Global Hunger Strike for Darfur
- Attend the Peace in Sudan Rally, July 23rd, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC. Join us in solidarity with the Sudanese Diaspora and activist leaders to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the declaration of the Darfur genocide by Congress, as well as highlight the ongoing violence in Abyei, Southern Kordofan and other areas of Sudan.
- If you are organizing an event locally to promote the hunger strike, please send details about the event to join@fastdarfur.org, and we will help spread the word.
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Please keep the people of Somalia in your thoughts, as the Horn of Africa experiences extreme draught and famine. Check the World Food Programme page for how you can help.
People from 34 different countries have fasted in solidarity with Darfur: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA & Puerto Rico
Fasting as a Method To Demand International Protection For the People of Darfur, Sudan
Nearly four years ago I wrote an article called “Fasting as a Method To Demand International Protection For the People of Darfur, Sudan” which I presented to the conference of the International Association of Genocide Scholars in June 2005. In this extended analysis I looked at a wide variety of forms of political fasting.
At that time I wrote: “Fasting is a method of nonviolent action capable of generating extraordinary power when undertaken in the right situation by a strong, organized and committed group of activists. A continuing, sustained fast has the potential to create an extremely authentic community characterized by calm and disciplined determination. Whether from direct encounter or at a distance via the media, onlookers and newcomers often feel drawn to join with or support such an effort. Forms of nonviolent action of shorter duration and commitment are sometimes dismissed as publicity seeking efforts. In contrast, prolonged fasting involves people putting their very lives and bodies on the line in the effort to seek action to stop an injustice.”
In the this paper I looked at four forms of political fasting used in 2004 and 2005 by Darfur activists and looked at what might be done in the future. Note that from the survey I did of historical instances of political fasting, I recommend Prolonged Group Fasting over the use of Open-ended Public Fasting by Individuals. See the article for a more detailed description of some of the disadvantaged of prolonged individual fasting.
Today prominent Darfur activist Mia Farrow has announced that next Monday April 27 she will begin such a prolonged water-only fast. I am very glad to see that other’s will be joining with her in various ways. Broader participation will be essential to the success of this effort.
Usually such prolonged fasts gain widespread attention in their third and fourth weeks, 15 to 28 days as the faster or faster begin to suffer physical consequences to their body. This can also become a time of great strain for the faster(s) and their supporters.
I hope Darfur activists find ways to make this fast a successful effort in the spirit of Ceasar Chevez, Mahatma Gandhi and others. Fasting is a serious and often troubling tactic for nonviolent activists, but in some situations it may be the best tactic.
Please consider reading the whole paper to consider how past activists have used political fasting in other social change movements and how it might be effective in our continuing efforts to halt the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.
http://www.preventgenocide.org/action/during/fasting/
1God bless you – Mia – you are such a beartiful and loving person – watching you now on Larry King – you have adopted children and are a very loving person. May the Lord bless you for your work and keep you in his everlasting light.
Love,
Judy
2I am with you Mia….Tomorrow I too will begin to fast…water only….I do not know how long I can last but every minute will be filled with love and gratitude that I do this by choice and not by necessity.
3I pray for the success of all those who will choose to fast with you in order to speed help and much needed food and compassion for those who are suffering deprivation.
Peace and Blessings
Azzah
We did this in Ireland for years .I hope this will make the right people listen and help.This is a dreadful situation.I will fast at least one day Mia and if I can do more, I will do that.
4May God bless you.I know you are a very smart woman and you will be supervised with this fast,you are worth a great deal to all of those that depend on you.I will keep you and the people you care so deeply for in my prayers.
Sincerely
Betty
Mia we did this in Ireland for years.I hope that the right people realize the great need for help.I will fast for one day Mia and if I can do more I will.
5I know you are a very smart woman and that you will be monitored during this fast.You are worth a great deal to all the poor people you are so willing to put your life on the line for,what would they do without you.
I will keep you and those you care for so deeply for in my prayers.
Sincerely
Betty
I want to help by calling 1-800-Genocide, however, I have a blackberry with a qwerty keyboard instead of a normal phone grid. Can you post the actual numbers on your website? 1800 ??? ????. Thanks for bringing attention to this.
6Mia, please contact the Mormon Church for help. Their humanitarian aid is unmatched. They have supplies ready to ship within hours of a disaster—THIS IS A DISASTER!
My heart grieves for these people. I would fast with you but am unable, due to health reasons involving cancer.
Thank you for speaking out on their behalf. May God bless your efforts and the people of the world to do something now.
7Hello Amy:
Yes, I’ve had that bberry problem also. 1-800-GENOCIDE =1-800-436-6243
Go to the “Act” page for more ways for getting involved–http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=302
8How many Mia’s do we need to save Africa’s women and children. How many Africans abroad can do what Mia is doing? I am one of them and I watch what is going on in motherland with horror. I feel helpless sometimes and all I can do from a safe haven is write a book about “Wounded Africa” with some of its profits going to save lives of my brothers and sisters in the dark continent. Lets join Mia in doing what we have to do to save lives. It takes courage and commitment to save lives of the innocent. God bless you Mia.
9OH, Hell yeah, this is atrocious, unbelievable, the HITLER POWER style, this has got to be stopped. I would even sign up to form an army to put these A**holes out of power! This is shamefull!!!!! THIS HAS GOT TO BE STOPPED. LETS FORM OUR OWN ARMY TO BOMBARD THESE IDIOTS OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! WHATEVER IT WILL TAKE!!! BRING IT ON. LETS START PUBLICIZING Supporter Lists of our citizens as well. Public Service Announcements, ANYTHING!!! I also think major petition lists and bombardment of demands that this be stopped. This should not be even half as hard as dealing with the IRAQ situation. Just get rid of these ignorant power pimples.
10PS, THIS JUST CAN’T BE DONE WITH MIA ALONE – WE MUST START SCREAMING!!!!!
11I wasn’t so aware as you made me last night listening to you on Larry King. Fasting is an excellent tool and I will join you in this effort. Have fasted every year for a way to clear my body and mind and to make a point, I will do that too. You’re a precious treasure and I wish you success for the people of Darfur. Lolly
12Angel Mia,
13Thank you for taking Darfur personally and putting your own life and health on the line with your fast. Please take your vitamin supplements, especially calcium and iron and you will be able to endure the fast longer. I will put Darfur in my prayers on my weekly one-day fast and continue until you end yours.
LOVE and BLESSINGS from the African Diaspora
Dear Mia,
I watched you on Larry King last night and today I have started my hunger strike. God Bless You. This is something I totally believe in and will be sharing with others, encouraging them too also fast for as long as possible for the cause of Darfur. Even if it is only for one day, every moment will be a reminder of the horrid conditions in Darfur.
Thank you.
14Dear Mia,
15I am so thankful for this opportunity. I have wanted to reach you.
You have inspired me and like you, I have never been on a hunger strike
before. I joined with you yesterday in prayer and fasting.
I pray my fast will be my prayer.
I have some neighbors involved and soon my church.
You are making a difference. We need your celebrity to keep the
light on Darfur. With my love and prayers I lift your arms
dear sister,
For Darfur!
Dear Mia:
I have much respect for your campaign. I’ve been forwarding your website link to my social networking friends on Facebook and Twitter. (I’ve spent 11 years developing websites and communications tools for major arts orgs) You seriously might want to consider using Twitter (and Facebook) to continue “realtime” communication with the people out there who might be able to help. Twitter is one of the best ways to get your message out there, and have it go viral, because people “retweet”, which means they copy/paste your message to their network, and so on, and so on, and so on.
With Facebook, you can set up a Group or Cause, and people will see it and join. And then their friends with join, etc.
I don’t think “miafarrow” is registered yet either. Just a suggestion.
Take care of yourself, and stop the hunger strike before you get sick. You’re being heard, and you have my thoughts and prayers. I’ve been forwarding the YouTube link to the documentary, THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, which played Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival, and has probably aired on public television:
http://tinyurl.com/caq46y
Michael Thorner
16twitter.com/michaelthorner
God Bless You Mia!!!
How touching it was to see you on Larry King, and your fight for Darfur.
You gave me hope and it was uplifting to see that you care, and will do what it takes for this grave situation.
All of Heaven is rejoicing with you, and so are millions of people that are with you!!
Keep up the good work, and know you are protect in His grace,
17Marie Kasimatis
From Athens, Greece
You’re an inspiration Mia!
If only there were more people like you in the world, tomorrow I will be starting my hunger strike. Good luck to everyone who is participating in this. God bless you all!
Antonella Sabia
18Dear Mia,
God bless you for all you are doing. I hope you are gaining strength from all the beautiful messages of support here.
Following is a post i made on change.org, another site others might wish to visit to be encouraged to make a change, to make the world a better place.
“As a sign of support for Mia Farrow’s efforts and to stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur i have completed my 24 hour fast. No big deal, i did not feel hunger pains or have to sit by and watch my child cry as it suffers and dies before my eyes. I did not have to wonder why the rest of the world thought our lives were not worthy of saving. I did not have to walk for miles for a drink of water, or wake up the next day not knowing where my next meal was coming from.
I did however come out of it with not only a deep feeling of connection with these people, i would like to use the word “spiritual” here, but also a sense of guilt (for all that i have and all that they have not) and shame and a stronger resolve to continue the fight for not only the people of Darfur but all the souls of the world who suffer NEEDLESSLY.
I post this to remind anyone who reads it that we can change the world, one by one, as long as we NEVER GIVE UP”
http://genocide.change.org/actions/view/fast_for_life
19Coincidentally I just finished reading about holocaust and turned on the TV.
20I saw Mia on Larry King. Just want to say, its because of people like you
who do the right thing. Who sacrifice their own personal interest for greater good,
humanity is still surviving.. “God bless you”
It is honorable to care, but why is the caring so partial? I must ask why is noone crying out and fasting for the suffering Palestinians, who have endured horrific abuse, humiliation, bulldozed homes and olive orchards, deadly military attacks which have mutilated or killed thousands of children and their mothers and fathers over many years, with what is left of their lands, homes and hospitals and schools, being bombed to smithereens. Will all wait until they have been completely annihilated?
Where, pay tell, is the heart for these beautiful, long-suffering and patient people who simply are on land that some other entity wants?
Why do actors and other famous figures ignore these that are a suffering fate so deadly that it is unfathomable. These people are in worse than a concentration camp, in essence, with fear everyday of another horrific attack – and again – loss.
212 hours in, need more water… the ladies are gonna love me this summer.
cheers, .j.
22While I greatly admire this collectively heartfelt gesture, I fear it will not help achieve its goal. I doubt very much that, in the end, enough people around the world ultimately give a damn about the health and survival of people of color in third world countries. That is the sad, sobering reality. I wish you all good luck, but can only imagine that in a couple of years, the situation in Darfur will have worsened. I have no idea what it will take to make people care.
23I only fast in the hope that more people can fast and send a message that no one is happy about Darfur.I have witnessed sufferings in many parts of Sudan which are peaceful and i can only imagine what is happening in Darfur by magnifying the sufferings i have seen.So after a short visit in Sudan on 2nd June I will take water only.This will be my fifth time and i plan to do it more.
24The power of one person to make a difference is unquantifiable.
Believe in this cause, believe in these people and believe in yourselves. Please spread the word and get everyone talking.
25http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqSOtUh3KXY&NR=1
26Hi, nice posts there
thank’s for the interesting information
27I want to find good pop music. Help me please.
28Today is the first day of my 2 day fast for Darfur. I joined last week thinking it would be a good way to assuage my liberal guilt with the added advange of losing weight. Also it gave me a good excuse to go to the dollar store and buy a box of malted milk balls and eat the whole thing.
29It is 10:17 a.m. I have been up since 7. I am amazed and horrified to learn how much I depend on food to schedule my day. I am obsessing over the idea of tea. I have tried every stragedy I can conceive of to convince myself that one cup of Lapsoung Sousong with milk and sugar does not count as food.
I am embarresed to admit that I have even thought what the hell ….no one will ever now what you do….it isn’t as if you are being monitored. Except I am. By me.
I feel like somewhere along the way I have lost my radical roots. There are good things about this , I definetly am happier .But then again cows appear happy too.
I did a 21 day water fast last year for this same cause. I am rejoining starting tomorrow for a 25 day water fast. I plan to donate the money I would normally spend on food to the relief causes in Darfur. This is a wonderful cause and I am so so so proud to be apart of it.
If you are being passive on this cause then you supporting genocide. It’s time to stand up and make a differnece. When people ask you what you’ve done to help what will you say?
30hey,Great article dude! i’m Fed up with using RSS feeds and do you use twitter?so i can follow you there:D.
31PS:Do you thought about putting video to this blog to keep the people more enjoyed?I think it works.Yours, Cassey Schabowski
This clip kinda makes me wanna shed some tears. I mean, why can’t we just live in a peaceful world. See those innocent faces, do they deserve this kind of life? God bless you all that are supporting this solidarity and making even “fasting” sacrifices. I guess I will have to come back and embed it in my blog to make it more viral.
32How can anyone shy away from what’s happening in Africa? One of the actors in the “Attack On Darfur” trailer said it best. How would you feel if your own spouse, child, or other family member was killed in cold-blood murder?
33Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be coming back and I hope you post again soon.
34I will ask my friends and family not to give me anything for Christmas this year, instead I will ask they donate to charity. I wish I could to this fast, but I’m afraid I could’nt stand it for very long =(
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36Fasting can be good for your health, but don’t exaggerate, it could be dangerous if you you’re not careful. I fast 2 times in a year and I feel very good.
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