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Sudanese Lost Boys in Australia
CHAN:
In thanks of the support given to them by the Australian public and government since their arrival as refugees, the “Lost Boys” of Sudan have hosted an Appreciation Day in Melbourne. During the conflict in Southern Sudan, thousands of young boys fled their homes to avoid being abducted and used as child soldiers.
STORY:
Separated from family and friends, these Sudanese boys find themselves in refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. However, some eventually make it Down Under to start a new life.
Akoch Manheim, President of the Sudanese Lost Boys Association, decided to hold an Appreciation Day that he hopes will continue each year.
[Akoch Manheim, President of the Sudanese Lost Boys Association]:
"We are very happy that Australians are supporting us, that is why we have Appreciation Day"
The Appreciation Day started in the morning with members of the Sudanese community doing volunteer work. Some of the Sudanese volunteers came from all over Australia and gathered for a meal sponsored by a local café.
The day finishes with an "Appreciation" concert, with Sudanese dancing and singing. One dance involves 50 Sudanese dancing in a circle with loud drumming and singing. Several government members came to support the event.
[Peter Batchelor, Victorian Minister for Communities]:
"…You’re going to become part of the Australian Community, and you’ll make a worthwhile contribution."
The Appreciation Day comes after Amnesty International’s recent report detailing China and Russia's involvement in Sudan. The report has photographic evidence of the illegal supply of military equipment to the Sudanese Government by Russia and China. They say the weapons are inflaming the genocide of the Sudanese people. More than 200,000 people have died during the 4-year conflict in Darfur.
President Bush has ordered new economic sanctions on Tuesday towards Sudan's government in a bid to stop the genocide in Darfur.
[Akoch Manheim]:
"Darfur people are dying at the moment because of the government corruption and if it is that way that China is supporting the government to do all this.......to see all the lives lost then there will be ... we can say that China is not helping..."
"Why does China keep on digging out oil while the people are suffering, people are dying. They should stop."
The Sudanese people are learning to adjust to Australian society, but realize they need help from the Australian community. One Sudanese at the concert mentioned an African saying… "If you want to go quick, go yourself, but if you want to go far, go together."
Emma Hall
NTDTV, Melbourne
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