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NEWS:China, Southeast Asia and Australasia Events on Global Day for DarfurFor Immediate Release: 10/05/07
South Korea Activists from South Korea NGO NanumMunwha campaigned on the issue of Darfur throughout the month of May. They have gathered 1943 signatures to date, asking the Korean government to agree to send peacekeepers to Darfur, as well as calling for the UK and China to take responsibility on the issue of Darfur. Thailand In Thailand, a demonstration was held through the centre of Bangkok. Speeches were given by a Darfuri refugee and a representative from Amnesty International. This was followed by a candlelight vigil. A petition demanding China use its influence to help deploy the full hybrid UN / AU peacekeeping force collected 834 signatures. Mongolia In Mongolia, an event was held outside the Mongolian National University. The Amnesty International youth group collected 326 signatures in an appeal to the United Nations Secretary General and paper cranes with peace messages were sent to Sudanese authorities. The event was covered in the daily newspaper and on the evening news. Australia In Melbourne, the film "Noise for Darfur" was screened at Federation Square as a symbolic gesture on the day. Members of the Darfur community were present at the screening. A public lecture was also held in Melbourne on 1st May to commemorate the day. Over 100 people attended the debate and discussion about what Australia and the international community should do to restore the peace in Darfur. Speakers included Mr Michael Danby MP, Ms Pamela Bone, Dr Alex Bellamy and Mr Abdelhadi Matar. The debate was mediated by Richard Simpson. Footage from this lecture will be available soon on http://www.darfuraustralia.org/. |
GLOBE FOR DARFUR