How much do most college students spend in a day? Five dollars? Ten? Sometimes twenty? In many parts of the world, millions of people are surviving on less than a dollar a day, yet many Americans aren’t even aware of it, University Amnesty International volunteer Evan Cope, said.
The University chapter of Amnesty International, a group committed to protecting human rights around the world, is working to raise money and awareness for refugees in Sudan, a country that has been suffering an internal crisis since February 2003. More than 50,000 people have been killed and at least 1.4 million have been forced from their homes by nomad militias, called Janjaweed, according to the Amnesty International Web site.
“The attacks have been decimating,” said Dan Selvig, coordinator for the University Amnesty International chapter. “Forty-seven percent of the villages have been burnt and depopulated. A member of United Nations called this the worst humanity crisis in the world.”
Students are donating their time and money to Amnesty International to help stop the crisis in Sudan and raise local awareness. The group has been asking students to fast today and donate the money they would have spent on food to relief in Sudan.
“We go buy a pen for two dollars and don’t even think about it,” Cope said. “They live on just a dollar a day. As a nation of power and wealth, we have a responsibility to care about others.
“Anything you can contribute will save lives.”
The group raised more than $1,000 in the first week of the drive. All money raised will go to refugee camps. The money will primarily be used to provide clean water, sanitation, public health services and shelter.
“Sanitation and clean water are huge issues,” Selvig said. “Anything that can prevent epidemics needs to be done.”
Selvig said part of the problem is that public attention has been focused on the recent elections and many international affairs have been ignored.
“We are a very internal country, concerned with what’s going on in our own borders,” Selvig said. “What’s going on outside is outside and doesn’t really get noticed.”
People interested in participating by donating money can bring money to Room 11 of the EMU, next to the Union Market, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. until Wednesday. Amnesty has planned the organized fast as a one-time event, but wants to offer continuous support to the Sudan refugees.
As well as supporting Sudan, Amnesty is focusing on a campaign to stop violence against women.
“We are recognizing women’s rights as human rights,” Selvig said.
University Amnesty International meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the EMU Rogue Room. The meetings are open to the public.

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