|
|
|
In front of the Cameroon
Embassy
At nightfall, there was a funeral
vigil in memory of Alim who had just died from AIDS in Cameroon.
He was one of 9 Cameroonians imprisoned for their homosexuality.
|
The candles were lit. Upon the gates
of the Embassy, large white posters were waiting for our messages.
I was invited to start and I wrote: " Alim, your life
and your death are an appeal to fight for the right to live and
love. " |
Released like his friends after being unjustly and unfairly put
in jail for 13 months, Alim did not benefit from his new freedom.
He died shortly after.
He had no access to medical care. Never did the state prosecutor
accept to release him.
He seemed to be getting thinner by the minute, incapable of standing
on his legs; the prison authorities left Alim to himself.
His attorney had visited him a few days prior to his death: "
He was like a little bird " she said.
Alim wanted to be photographed with her:
" I have nothing left, but I still have my smile. I am
sending it to all my friends, everyone who helped me in Cameroon,
France or elsewhere. "
We are in front of the Embassy to protest against the homophobia
of the Cameroonian authorities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsorship of children
from Nantes
- A republican sponsorship was organized for children attending
school with parents not having their residence permit. With the
end of the school year, these children were liable to be deported.
|
There was a massive turnout all over France because children
were involved. |
|
-
- Whatever their origin, they are human beings. Children
are sacred. Is it possible to accept the rounding-up of children
who live a normal life, are well integrated and who speak our
language?
At the Town Hall in Nantes, and in the gardens, the fair was
on. They came by hundreds. The organizers had not expected so
many people!
|
A young Kurd was presented to me, Hakan, 6 years of age. He
is the one I will sponsor. He is adorable. He followed me wherever
I went as if his fate was now tied in to my one. His parents
were reassured. For once, they were not afraid. |
Now came the time for the official sponsorship. Surrounded by
both of his sponsors, Hakan was as proud as he could be sitting
on his chair. The public records officer took in our engagement.
We declared our intention to help the child and his family to
obtain their citizenship.
Photographers took shot after shot of the event. A television
station made a zoom on Hakan who appeared to be happy as a king.
For him it was a time to celebrate.
Struggle calls for celebration and it gives energy to continue
fighting with determination. After this success, one can hope
than this citizens rallying, with its unexpected success, will
lead to a draw back on the Government's part.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Never again
The situation in Darfour is dramatic and is deteriorating
every day. The theatre of "la Madeleine", in Paris,
was packed full of people who want to know more about what is
going on in this forgotten area of Sudan. No more can it be said:
" we did not know."
|
Hundreds of villages were set on fire, thousands of people
were slaughtered, and thousands of women and young girls were
subjected to physical abuse and raped. More than two million
people fled their villages that have been destroyed and were
living in refugee camps with shortage of food and lack of safety. |
More than three years after the beginning of the conflict,
the Sudanese government carries on with its policy of supporting
the militias who organize attacks against civilians and continue
to hold up humanitarian aid.
In Darfour, everyone is a Muslim. So it is not a war of religions
but an ethnic war having for only motivation the hate between
Africans and Arabs.
The militias block the way to foreign organizations, and the
Sudanese government forbids any interference in his internal
affairs.
The Khartoum Regime, which has resulted from a coup d'état
in 1989, is supported by China and Russia. |
|
International authorities feel helpless and do not act
firmly.
Each day is a day of shame.
In the theatre of "la Madeleine", we were many to say
" Never again " and to become members of SOS
Darfour. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An unforgettable meeting
A couple of persons of more than 70 years of age welcomed
me with much kindness. I am meeting both of them for the first
time in their magnificent residence. The reason? One of their
sons is in prison.
The woman seemed distressed but had a dignified air. Never had
she imagined such an ordeal! When she goes to visit her son in
jail, she cannot but help herself from crying. Originally from
Breton, she had moved away from the Church and her faith. Flowers
and trees of her garden are her only therapy.
|
Her husband narrated in full detail the sequence of events.
He is convinced of the innocence of their son and he is preparing
with the help of lawyers their son's defence for the trial to
come. A support committee has been organized with his help. |
This situation is difficult for them to live. Some of their
friends have distanced themselves from them. In the public opinion,
they are the parents of a prisoner.
Listening to them, I measure the ordeal they were subjected to
for years. But at the same time, I admired their capacity to
love. In their hearts, there is no resentment. They continue
to fight with no hate.
We have become friends. |
|
|
|
|