By Barchoch Tut Jing
AUSTRALIA, March 17, 2010 (Gurtong) - The educational campaign, awareness and advocacy for 2011 South Sudan’s Referendum has picked up momentum when ‘My Referendum for Freedom of South Sudan 2011’ was launched on March 6th, 2010 by a group of young South Sudanese activists based in Brisbane, Queensland.
My Referendum was brought to existence in December 2009 in Brisbane, Queensland. It is an activist group formed to educate voters, create awareness around the globe, advocate and mobilise international community and international media about the Sudanese 2011 Referendum.
It was on March 6th, 2010 when a step was taken in history of South Sudanese in Australia who met in Brisbane, to launch the newly founded group’s vision; My Referendum for Freedom, for South Sudan 2011 Referendum”. Explained Ayuen Kur who is the man behind the vision.
Ayuen travelled across Australia’s states and territories to rally support and held sessions so that people get informed as to why it is important to vote during the referendum.
“We here in Australia are like an abandoned community because some states in the United States, Europe and Middle East have registered to vote in this year’s election and in 2011 referendum”, said Queensland Nuer community chairman, Mr Biel Jal.
The tone was echoed by all other ethnic leaders who in fact offered their support for the project. “Clearly, your active advocacy to enlighten citizens of South Sudan is a thoughtful idea”, concurred the Sudanese chairman in Queensland, Mr James Kai.
The event was attended by honourable Dr Jokthab Amum, the deputy principle mission for the Government of South Sudan in Australia.
“Voting in upcoming referendum is serious and very important. Vote wisely or face the consequences. Do not regret later”. Dr Amum told the gathering.
Mr Abraham Ayuel Aleer, the Director of My Referendum for Freedom in his speech urged South Sudanese to “support the vision of the group and separate vision from the individual background, political affiliation, ethnicity or religion”.
“The director is right. The late Dr John Garang was unjustly victimised for his stance on the Sudanese conflict. The political enemies of former New Sudan icon did not try their best to differentiate between Garang as person and the vision of New Sudan”. Dr Amum remarked as he encouraged South Sudanese to involve and be active.
South Sudanese are urged to visitwww.myreferendum.org to get more information on the group and their activities.