What is the GuluWalk

What is the GuluWalk Christine: In October 2006, over 30,000 people in 82 cities expanding 15 countries participated in an event called GuluWalk, designed to raise awareness for the plight of children terrorized by a 20 year Civil War in Northern Uganda. Male: The Museveni government has forcibly displaced 1.5 million people into camp, the majority of them women and children. The Lord's Resistance Army has adopted more than 25,000 children to be used as soldiers, workers and sex slaves. Christine: Hi, I’m Christine on watchmojo.com. we’re going to be talking to Whitney McInnis, one of the many organizers in over a 100 cities around the world who are planning another Guluwalk. Whitney McInnis: Basically, we’re trying to reach the media’s attention, the community’s attention and national and global attention for that matter on the plight of these children. It’s been happening for 20 years and really there has been a tremendous lack of international response on this cause. For me, United Nations under Sectary of Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland has called the conflict in Northern Uganda, the world’s most neglected humanitarian crisis and one of the biggest scandals of our generation. Why do you think that is the case currently of the United Nations has no international mandate for internally displace refugees in persons? So therefore the United Nations cannot intervene without the approval or rather request from the countries present or leader. Christine: What do you think is the magic of GuluWalk that it’s captured the imaginations of so many people? Whitney McInnis: I think because people grow more socially conscious and aware of their environment, another situation is going on around the world, they’re more inclined too. And when there is a lack of response from the government I think people come together and recognize the need to do something themselves. Christine: Since it’s inception in 2005, has GulyWalk being able to bring about some change on the ground in Northern Uganda? Whitney McInnis: Yes, fortunately GuluWalk has been successful not only in just bringing about people all around the world to march for this cause but GuluWalk is also with AMREF created the first community center in Kitgum for night commuter children and working with more child, invisible children there are a lot of grassroots organizations all working together for this cause. Christine: Now, is somebody isn’t participating in GuluWalk, is there another way that they can help support the cause that GuluWalk is supporting? Whitney McInnis: Well, the most important thing is contacting your local MP and representatives as well as visiting the website www.GuluWalk.com. Christine: Whitney, I want to thank you for taking the time for this interview and I also want to congratulate you on your hard work for cause that’s very important. Thank you. Whitney McInnis: Thank you very much.