Influential Event #11

Dr. Halima Bashir

   Darfur is located in the western region of Sudan, Africa. The conflict began in February 2003 when the Sudan Liberation Army and Justice and Equality Movement accused the Sudanese government of oppressing non-Arab Sudanese in favor of Sudanese Arabs. The other side of the conflict was composed mainly of the official Sudanese military and police, and the Janjaweed. Through a system of torture, rape and murder, the Janjaweed, has succeeded in killing almost one half million black tribal Africans since February of 2003 and the number continues to climb daily. Over 3 million people have been displaced and 4 million are reported to be starving. An estimated 500 people a day die in the region. Disease takes its toll on a great number of people in the refugee camps, as there are inadequate medical supplies, shelter, food, as well as poor sanitation for the excessive number of people who need it.

   There are many unacknowledged heroes in Darfur who everyday make a difference. One such individual is Dr. Halima Bashir, a young Darfur woman whom the Sudanese authorities have tried to silence by beatings and gang rape. All for saying a few misplaced comments about the Sudanese government. Halima witnessed unimaginable atrocities in Darfur. She treated forty little girls who were raped by the Janjaweed. Soon afterward, two United Nations officials showed up at the clinic for information about the attack. The Janjaweed tortured Halima just for telling the UN officials the truth about the rape.

   It takes a huge amount of courage to tell the truth knowing that the repercussions against you can be killer. It is also admirable that even after the torture and the psychological torture she will suffer her whole life she doesn’t regret telling the UN officials. Halima said, “What happened to me happened to so many other Darfur women. If I didn’t tell, all the other people don’t get the chance — and I have the chance. I am a well-educated woman, so I can speak up and send a message to the world.” It is incredibly selfless of her to give up her freedom and safety to stand up against the oppressive regime to save others. Standing up for ourselves against our friends is scary enough, but I cannot imagine facing the threat of torture. It is hard for us to challenge the social rules and stand up for our classmates. But this woman could face the threat of torture or death for individuals she doesn’t have any connection with. That is true courage. Halima’s bravery contrasts with the world’s fecklessness and failures on Darfur.