How Many Miles Would You Walk For Freedom?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country rich of gold, diamonds and minerals civilians are displaced in the ongoing conflict over power and you guess it: wealth. In the decades long conflicts between rebels and government forces, women and children are caught in the line of fire. Ever since the war started there have been allegations of sexual exploitation, child pornography and the rape of babies made against every party involved in the war. The outbreak of rape and murder is widespread in the war torn country and find their way into the refugee camps, where a million displaced women and their families are sheltered.
As the war goes on more and more women and children are victims of gang-rape and other sexual assaults. Imagine a women being raped at gunpoint or people being forced to sexual act in exchange for food. The UN is also to be blamed for the lack of action in protecting these women. UN staffers have committed some of these cruel crimes against the people they were send to protect. Their effort alone with the Congolese government is ludicrous. This problem is not new, it is yesterday news and yet they haven’t had an adequate solution for it. The Congolese government and the UN are letting these people down because they are not a priority. Well guess what: we disagree.
I know what Saturday night means to us youngsters. We don’t play with our free night. And going out on a Saturday night is an attractive use for the money and energy. Physically I am not well, let’s just say prepared to walk 40 km. I mean it has been a year since I have been to the gym. And the fact that I did not unsubscribe from the gym did not help to get me back sooner either. Nevertheless it has been a while I have been this excited and I’m convinced that my enthusiasm for this great cause will carry me through. Night Walk Fundraising is an initiative from Stichting Vluchteling and partners.
The 40 km walk from Rotterdam Erasmusbrug to The Hague central station will start on September 25 at midnight. Alongside the route there will be unforgettable performances carried out by famous musicians, writers, scientists and politicians who are all taking part of this great walk. Everyone is welcome to walk with us. If you cannot make it or it is inconvenient we are asking you to sponsor our effort with a small amount. The contribution could be 5,- euro or more. You can send your contribution to the organisation through participants (The Soul Rebel Movement) on their website: http://www.nachtvandevluchteling.nl/ . We are hoping to hear from you, either as a co-walker or sponsor.
Thank you.
The Night Walk Fundraising starts on the 25th of September at midnight in Rotterdam and will continue until the next morning between 08.00 and 12.00h. The night walk ends at the central station of The Hague.