Forum
2002: Address as delivered by Awut Deng Acuil
of New Sudan Council of Churches
Interaction Awards Dinner, June 3, 2002
Read "Forgotten,
Yet" by
Rebecca J. Okwaci, dedicated to Awut D. Acuil
on receiving a Humanitarian Peace Award
Distinguished
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like opportunity to humbly stand
before you to thank InterAction and accept the Award on behalf of my
humiliated and oppressed people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
the announcement of the Award came as a surprise but it was received
by the southern Sudanese people with great sense of honor and respect.
The Award has raised hope among our people that we are still part and
parcel of human family and we are being remembered and recognized by
peace loving people in the United States of America and beyond. I do
not know whether I really deserve this honor as we have been denied
such opportunities. However, it will be a driving force that shall boost
my future actions in peacemaking. This is an incredible challenge you
have bestowed upon me. It will indeed encourage me to double my efforts
that shall lead to a meaningful contribution towards a more comprehensive
peace in Sudan.
Furthermore,
I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to InterAction for honoring
me by offering this invaluable Award. I receive it not only as a recognition
of my work as an individual, but as the recognition of Sudanese people
who are subjected to injustice and human rights abuse, specifically
vulnerable groups such as women and children who are struggling for
survival.
I also want
to acknowledge the NSCC leadership and my friends for their support
especially those who are with me here to share this joyful occasion.
The Award is a testimony of their good work and unshakable commitment
to selflessly serve the people of south Sudan. Not forgetting the immediate
members of my family who stood by me whenever their support was needed.
They made an unlimited sacrifice by allowing me to stay outdoors to
carry out my duties. My special thanks go to my beloved daughter Angong
Dhol who has always taken upon herself the burden of my household tasks.
This gratitude goes also to my 17 months old daughter, Akech who traveled
with me everywhere I went when she was only 40 days old.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
allow me to express my gratitude to my relatives who are present in
this hall. Their presence is a manifestation of assistance and solidarity
they have given me in my work for peace and justice. Rest assured that
this is not the end of the road in our search for freedom, but it is
the beginning of a long walk towards the attainment of a lasting peace
and justice in our beloved country, Sudan.
Last but not
least, I wish to stress to the American people and the Government on
behalf of the suffering people of south Sudan and other marginalized
regions in Sudan that there will be no lasting peace without properly
addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflict. There will be no
shortcut to resolve the conflict, which has claimed 2.9 million lives.
From this reality, I appeal to the American people and the Government
to support the position of the church that calls for the right of self-determination
for the southern Sudanese people, a free and fair referendum in which
the people can determine their future to live as one or separate countries.
This is a democratic right to which a leader of the free world, your
great nation should prescribe to.
May I once again
say thank you to InterAction. It is always encouraging to have organizations
such as CRS and InterAction, which are committed to stand with those
who are oppressed. Keep on doing a good job to create a better world,
a world in which justice and freedom are upheld.
Read "Forgotten,
Yet" by
Rebecca J. Okwaci dedicated to Awut D. Acuil
on receiving a Humanitarian Peace Award
