Candlelight Vigil
June 26 7:00-8:30 p.m. hosted by Amnesty International Local Group 27
Grand Army Plaza
(at entrance of Prospect Park)
Brooklyn, NY
Group #27 will commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, highlighting specifically the victims of Darfur, with a candlelight vigil on June 26th,from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, NY.
The event will coincide with the United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors, a day commemorated by governments, human rights groups and others around the world. Amnesty Brooklyn is highlighting the victims in Darfur as a reminder of the violence and insecurity in the region.
"Many innocent civilians have suffered as a result of the crisis in Darfur with women bearing a huge burden of the cost," said Carla Stuart, Amnesty Brooklyn group coordinator. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of women have been raped by government forces and armed groups.
It is estimated that at least 200,000 people have died and more than 2 million have been displaced because of the violence. Reports of rape, torture, enforced disappearances and killings have been widely documented. Despite assertions by the government of Sudan that peace is returning to Darfur, violence against civilians continues.
"Here in Brooklyn, we will light candles on June 26th in memory of the Sudanese who have lost their lives, and stand in solidarity with the millions of victims of rape, torture, and displacement," added Stuart.
The Brooklyn Chapter of Amnesty International has been championing human rights for more than 25 years. Today, Amnesty International is the largest human rights organization in the world, with more than 1.8 million members and supporters in over 150 countries and territories. The Brooklyn chapter meets every second Tuesday of the month for human rights discussions. For more information about the chapter visit: .
The vigil will be held on Sunday, June 26th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Grand Army Plaza, near the entrance of Prospect Park Candles will be provided. Event is free.